The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Ararat housing action

BY JESSICA GRIMBLE

Anew partnership seeks to develop affordable housing solutions as business and employment opportunities continue to flourish in Ararat.

Ararat Housing Enterprise is a partnership two years in the making between Ararat Rural City Council and a private enterprise, headed by Rowly and Judy Paterson.

Tenders for the first stage of the initiative open today and the project will build upwards of 40 houses throughout Ararat across a 10 to 15-year project timeline.

The entry-level family homes,

with three bedrooms and one to two bathrooms, set on 650 square metre blocks, will add to an average four houses built in Ararat annually.

The initiative seeks to address housing shortages in the rural city – which is impacting business’ ability to recruit and retain staff, including about 600 vacancies across the municipality which remain unfulfilled.

It comes at a critical time when businesses are forecasting significant growth – particularly in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

Willaura farmers Mr and Mrs Paterson own ACE Radio Broadcasters, which includes The Weekly Advertiser, 21 radio stations across the east

coast of Australia and a digital arm. Capital investment will be $4 million across the first four years, with cocontributions from the private enterprise and the council.

Mr Paterson said the ‘appetite’ for suitable parcels of land to purchase would offer an insight into the proposed timeline for construction to begin – though directors are also seeking to move swiftly.

Their preference is to utilise local tenderers.

“This is a private partnership that will be nimble and respond to the economic environment at a given time,” Mr Paterson said.

“It will be a very transparent pro-

cess. We are putting tenders out to acquire land within the city of Ararat and go out to tender to build a specified model of home which can have variations, but will be within a range that offers affordable housing.”

Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Dr Tim Harrison said the partnership offered an effective and tailored response to a challenge faced both regionally and nationally.

“For the first four years, we will retain all of the houses built as rental properties; from year five, we will continue to build four new houses a year and, at the same time, sell four of the existing properties into the market,” Dr Harrison said.

“We can sit around and pontificate and talk about it, but action is also important.

“With Rowly and Judy’s assistance, this partnership is a really good way of being in that action space. “We hope to see homes rising from those lots quickly.”

Dr Harrison said initiatives such as Pacific Heat and Power’s proposed biogas plant, forecast to become the third-largest biogas plant in the world and produce about 6.5 percent of the state’s industrial gas while creating 100 jobs in Ararat, was fantastic news for the municipality.

Continued page 3

SEUSS-TACULAR: Horsham Arts Council’s production of Seussical the Musical begins tomorrow night at Horsham Town Hall. The production is bringing the familiar stories of Dr Seuss to life for audiences of all ages. Story and more pictures, pages 22-23.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Study highlights antenatal care access

BY JESSICA GRIMBLE

AWimmera and southern Mallee study is driving renewed calls for more accessible, structured antenatal care in the region.

The Wimmera Southern Mallee By Five Initiative has released its latest report, documenting the ‘ad hoc’ accessibility of antenatal services, which varies dependent on where a woman lives within the region.

Antenatal care is associated with positive maternal and child health outcomes and the likelihood of receiving effective health interventions is increased when women access antenatal care.

The report found some women, even if they birth in Horsham, are required to travel long distances to attend antenatal appointments, which can be expensive and stressful. It found about 30 percent of women birth outside of the region – either, for example, by choice due to location, family, or preference of provider; or because they require care not available in the region.

Vigil a show of support

A candlelight vigil through central Horsham will ‘shine a light’ on domestic and family violence and its impact on women, children and the community.

The Wimmera Committee Against Family Violence will lead the awareness initiative tomorrow evening to show community support for eliminating domestic and family violence.

The committee’s deputy chair Shane Podolski said the event was a demonstration of support for those who are, or have, experienced domestic and family violence.

He said people would gather in Ward Street at 6pm and walk down Firebrace Street before a presentation at Horsham Soundshell.

“It’s something I wish we didn’t have to do, but every year we find the statistics aren’t going down – so we need to raise awareness within the community,” Mr Podolski said.

“We need to change the mentality of the people who think it’s acceptable and let them know that it’s not and that we will stand against them.”

Reports of domestic and family violence in the Horsham, Ararat, Northern Grampians and Yarriambiack local government areas are above the state average – and it is considered a ‘serious’ issue in most regions.

By Five project manager Emily Smith said the report added Wimmera and southern Mallee data to a national conversation and highlighted that while excellent care occurred locally, it was often ‘ad hoc’.

However, she said the report also highlighted opportunities for placebased solutions – including evaluation of West Wimmera Health Service’s maternity model of care.

Ms Smith said the model was unique because the health service employed maternal and child health nurses, who provided care from pre-conception until a child was five years-old. Federation University will evaluate the model and its potential more broadly.

“We are confident that is a really good service model and benefits the community through a continuity of care through the one service,” Ms Smith said.

Grampians Health Horsham is classified a ‘level-four’ maternity service and the only birthing hospital in the region; while West Wimmera Health Service is classified ‘level one’ of a

six-level state maternity and newborn service system, meaning it can offer local care for healthy women and babies at low risk.

Ms Smith said other health services had an appetite to become classified as ‘level-one’ maternity services and capture the extent of care they could, and do, offer – and to strengthen capabilities and work together in a networked manner.

She said historic skills remained in communities, but there was a sustainability risk that relationships could become lost when people moved away from the region or retired.

Individual schedule

The National Health and Medical Research Centre recommends the schedule of antenatal visits be determined individually. It says a schedule of 10 visits should be adequate for a woman’s first pregnancy without complications; the recommendation decreases to seven visits for subsequent uncomplicated pregnancies.

By Five executive officer Jo Martin

said women and their families were making family-planning decisions, or basing their decision to move to the region, on what services were available locally – including antenatal care.

“Women are deciding whether or not to have any more family because of the inconvenience of service access,” she said.

“It’s not an issue based on affluence, either; it’s the inconvenience of having to relocate before birthing, which is happening now. The tyranny of distance also means that sometimes things crop up – whether it’s harvest, another sick child, cropping and these are all the things we heard – and people are missing appointments.

“The point of antenatal care is regular checks on the baby and the mother, and things can change very quickly.”

Health services, local government and women were consulted for the report in the context of antenatal, domiciliary, post-natal care, and maternal and child health care.

Respondents in Horsham called for more maternity providers and greater

access to midwifery-led care, a need for more specialised care locally, and improved ultrasound technology and equipment.

Outside of Horsham, respondents said distance was an issue and called for access to specialist services locally. They called for more care for mothers post-birth, discussed a lack of mothers’ groups, and the importance of maternal child health nurses as continued care and support.

West Wimmera respondents said those who accessed the West Wimmera Health Service maternity clinic were ‘grateful’ for it, though some were not aware of it.

The report noted the development of a Grampians Health-led maternity care clinic, which would allow women to receive care via different care pathways depending on their risk status. Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Partnership initiated By Five in response to poor developmental outcomes of children in the region, as indicated via the Australian Early Developmental Census.

Housing action

From page 1

However, Dr Harrison acknowledged the proposal would apply additional pressure on housing demand and sectors including agriculture and manufacturing were already experiencing challenges in recruiting people to vacant roles.

“If you can’t get people into towns, housing is often the problem,” he said. “What we are trying to achieve with the Ararat Housing Enterprise has a multiplier effect – being, physical action to alleviate the problem, and showing this model will work.

“Other people might also see this as a way of investing and building the housing stock through forming partnerships of their own.”

Crash investigation

AWARENESS: Wimmera Committee Against Family Violence members, from left, Brianna Wills, Barb Atkins, Kaye Londrigan and Geoff Miller promote a Shine the Light awareness walk in Horsham tomorrow evening.

Data from national primary prevention leader Our Watch shows women are nearly three times more likely than men to experience violence from an intimate partner.

One woman is murdered at the hands of a current or former partner every week in Australia and one-inthree women has experienced physical or sexual violence perpetrated by a man they know, one-in-four women

has experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner since the age of 15, and one-in-two women has experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime.

Tomorrow’s event follows previous virtual events during COVID-19 restrictions, and the midday awareness marches prior.

Mr Podolski said the group had moved its initiative to May in rec-

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

ognition of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. Videos of people, businesses and groups ‘taking a stand’ against domestic and family violence will play at the ceremony.

A sausage sizzle will follow.

• If you, or someone you know, needs help, phone 1800 RESPECT; in an emergency phone 000.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash on Horsham’s outskirts on Sunday night. Emergency services were called to the intersection of Curran and Remlaw roads just before 6pm after reports a car had crashed into a pole and caught fire. The fire was extinguished and the driver, who was yet to be identified, was found to be deceased.

The incident brings the number of lives lost in 2023 to 109 people – a 31 percent increase on the previous year.

Anyone who witnessed the crash, has dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic. com.au

HRCC NEWS

Retailers opening doors to accessibility

Horsham Rural City Council is offering business owners help to improve accessibility in local shops.

About 20 per cent of Victorians have a disability and more have mobility issues. For many where they choose to shop comes down to whether or not a business is inclusive of their needs.

HRCC Business Accessibility and Inclusion Officer Jane Combe said business operators with a good understanding of the impact of disability on their customers were able to attract more shoppers.

"Making it easier for all people to do their shopping is an important step businesses can take to support their community,” Ms Combe said.

“If your premises are not accessible for all you may be missing out on significant numbers of potential customers," she said.

There are examples of Horsham businesses that are already seeing the benefits of improving accessibility.

Each Thursday staff from Atlas Fuels fill up the tanks of customers, allowing drivers with mobility constraints to remain in their cars.

The O'Callaghans Parade service station also has a ramp entry to its shop, ensuring people with reduced mobility can access the business.

Terry White Chemmart Horsham provides a great opportunity for people that use mobility devices to access all parts of their business.

This is made possible due to the layout of shelves within the shop. Providing enough room between shelves allows mobility device users to navigate the store confidently and safely.

HRCC wants to help other business operators understand what they can do to make their shops more accessible and inclusive.

The most common examples of barriers

ACCESSIBLE: Businesses that provide improved access and promote inclusive practices will attract more customers.

for people with mobility issues include steps at the entrance to a shop or a front door that is difficult to open.

“It’s not just about people with a disability or a mobility issue. Families with prams and people who are weary of germs all benefit from improved convenient access such as automatic doors, ramps or step removal and easy walk-through access in the store," Ms Combe said.

“Accessibility also encompasses a range of things from training your staff on how to accommodate the needs of all people, the font you choose for your menus and website, how you arrange your product and where you place your signage,” she said.

Businesses that wish to participate in the project are encouraged to contact HRCC.

Rural roads widened

Contractors have started work on the reconstruction of six kilometres of HorshamLubeck Road.

The important agricultural linkage east of Horsham is one of five priority rural roads to be widened to 6.2m.

• Dimboola-Minyip Road – partially completed

• Horsham-Lubeck Road – works now underway

• Noradjuha-Tooan East Road – scheduled for 2024

• North-East Wonwondah Road –Scheduled for the second half of 2023

• Polkemmet Road - partially completed.

The roads were identified as high priorities in HRCC’s Rural Road Network Plan which was developed through engagement with rural communities.

Total project cost is more than $8 million, with a $5 million contribution from the Commonwealth Government confirmed last year.

“Council is very thankful to the Australian Government for this support which will enable our own roads budget to go so much further,” Mayor Robyn Gulline said.

council@hrcc.vic.gov.au | Web: www.hrcc.vic.gov.au

PUMPED: Filling up can be a challenge for drivers with mobility issues.

Council will work with the participating businesses by conducting an audit of the business, and will then provide recommendations of inclusive practices that the business can implement in the four focus areas.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Current Community Engagements

For full details visit the Have Your Say section of the HRCC website

ROAD MANAGEMENT PLAN

HRCC proposes to amend its Road Management Plan. Any person proposing to make a submission on the proposed amendment must do so before 5pm Friday 26 May 2023.

REVISED GOVERNANCE RULES 2023

There are eleven changes proposed for the current Governance Rules. These are either clarifications, minor procedural changes or updates that reflect an existing practice. Submissions are open until 5pm Wednesday 10 May 2023.

TENDERS

DOOEN COMMUNITY CONVERSATION

Dooen community members and groups are invited to join Horsham Rural City Councillors and staff for a community conversation.

Monday 15 May 5.30pm to 7pm Dooen Public Hall

This is an opportunity for people from the Dooen area to raise local issues and questions for Council.

If you want to raise a question or topic for conversation prior to the meeting please contact Fiona Kelly Phone: 53829725

Email: fiona.kelly@hrcc.vic.gov.au

We look forward to seeing you there.

NOTICE OF ADDITIONAL COUNCIL MEETING

An additional Council Meeting will be held Monday 8 May 2023 at 5pm to consider the following Items:

1. Flood recovery road works – Package 2, Contract 23-026 (Confidential)

2. Request for inclusion on Council’s Street Name List –Haven Park Drive

The meeting will be held at the Civic Centre, 18 Roberts Avenue, Horsham and also livestreamed at hrcc.vic.gov.au.

BY ABBY WALTER

Mining and processing company Astron has released a definitive feasibility study for the Donald Mineral Sands project, progressing plans for the mine to be operational by mid-2025.

The study outlines the timing, economic feasibility and method of the project, which is located 15 kilometres east of Minyip.

Donald Mineral Sands community liaison officer Paul Atherton said the company was preparing final documentation for a work plan, which State Government regulators would review.

“We’re looking to submit the documentation mid-year with the view that it be approved by the end of the year,” he said.

All set for 30th escape

Preparations are ramping up for this weekend’s Grampians Grape Escape.

The not-for-profit festival, which is celebrating its 30th year, will begin on Friday and run until Sunday at Halls Gap.

With the support of the State Government’s Regional Events Fund, patrons can sample the best wine, food and music that is on offer.

More than 100 exhibitors from across the region will be complemented by masterclasses, cooking demonstrations, children’s activities and live music.

Festival co-director Kate Kirkpatrick said set-up was well underway this week, with marquees going up at the site.

‘Feel-Good Friday’ will return for its second year to start proceedings and include bands such as Shell Yeah, a Beach Boys cover band, crowd favourite 19-Twenty and Madhouse.

Mrs Kirkpatrick said a number of the festival’s life members would be honoured on Saturday.

“We can’t say for sure that it will be approved because that is the government’s decision, but we can’t see anything that would stop it being approved.

“Then, there would be a period of time to get investors on board – and we need almost $400 million to get the project going once approved.

“We would then procure various parts from around the world to put together a mineral separation plant and look to start building it and associated facilities out on the mine site about the middle of next year.

“We would be looking at 12 to 18 months for the build, so a mid-2025 start for processing minerals, digging holes and putting minerals through the plant.”

Mr Atherton said millions of dollars had been spent to establish the project

to date, with more money expected to be injected into the community in coming years.

“The millions of dollars spent so far does flow into the community, but people don’t necessarily see it because they’re not seeing more people coming to town,” he said.

“For Minyip, Rupanyup, Murtoa, Donald, St Arnaud and Warracknabeal, what people will see when the mineral separation plant starts to be built is more people moving around –and that’s when the direct dollars will be going into local businesses.”

Mr Atherton said it would likely result in a shift in how the towns operated.

“That’s a quantum change for a town such as Minyip, which has one supermarket, one café, a butcher and a few other small stores,” he said.

“There will be workers coming in who are looking for services such as gyms and working potentially in 12hour shifts, so supermarkets need to be open longer. They will be living in an accommodation village, which is a dry village, so no alcohol – if they want to have a drink they have to find somewhere.

“That will be interesting because Minyip’s pub is not always open, but that’s one of the flow-on things that will happen once things get moving.”

Mr Atherton said while the company did not have a housing strategy at this stage for the region, ongoing discussions were occurring to address a shortage.

“We have had various discussions with local progress associations, Yarriambiack, Northern Grampians and Buloke shires and also Wimmera

Development Association,” he said. “Until such time that we get our approvals we can’t make any financial commitments with regards to housing, but moving forward we are in discussion with a private landowner about putting an accommodation village in Minyip.

“It would mainly be for the workers building the plant, rather than workers doing operational works, but given the housing shortage in the region, we recognise the accommodation village might act as some sort of a stop-over or short-stay for professionals moving into the region.

“Once we get approvals and investors on board then the real estate market in Minyip, Rupanyup, Murtoa, Donald, St Arnaud and Warracknabeal will be significantly stimulated.”

Two arrested

Armed Crime Squad detectives have arrested two people as part of an investigation into a non-fatal shooting in Horsham last month.

Police arrested a man, 26, and woman, 32, at a residential property at Illawarra, near Stawell, on Thursday.

Detectives interviewed the pair in relation to the shooting.

The man was charged with unrelated matters, while the woman was released without charge.

The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.

Emergency services were called to reports multiple people had broken into a Cecil Street, Horsham residence on the morning of March 17.

A man, 36, also the resident of the property, sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries.

The guest chef headlining this year’s festival is TV presenter and author Miguel Maestre.

Masterchef alumni Khanh Ong, who is now a restaurant owner, cookbook author and TV presenter, will also attend.

Comedian and wine expert Merrick

Watts is presenting his popular show ‘An Idiots Guide to Wine’ in an onsite marquee.

A number of masterclasses will cover topics such as road trip cooking, distilling and preparing for the Grampians Peak Trail.

“We are happy with the support

given to us so far,” Mrs Kirkpatrick said.

She encouraged people planning to attend to consult regional bus routes and check the website for ticketing information.

People wanting tickets can visitgrampiansgrapeescape.com.au

The circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined but police believe it is a targeted incident and said the parties were known to each other.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report via crime stoppersvic.com.au

GO TIME: Grampians Grape Escape co-director Kate Kirkpatrick, Fallen Giants cellar door manager Laura Peel, musician Soulty and SobRosa co-founder Nancy Panter prepare for the weekend’s Grampians Grape Escape festival at Halls Gap.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

‘Already struggling’

BY ABBY WALTER

Guild wants guarantee

pharmacists are concerned further pressure will be applied to an already-constrained medication supply chain when a 60-day dispensing system is implemented nationally.

Wimmera

Currently, most medications for stable, long-term conditions are prescribed for 30 days.

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, PBAC, recommended introducing 60-day prescriptions in 2018.

The Federal Government announced it will begin on September 1.

Once implemented, the 60-day prescribing policy will allow doctors to prescribe a two-month supply of more than 320 medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, PBS.

The Federal Government announced people could purchase two months’ worth of medicine for the price of a single prescription, under the scheme.

Horsham’s Terry White Chemmart owner Stuart Hall said the biggest problem with the scheme was that pharmacies would not have a two-month supply of medications available.

“We are struggling to have one month’s supply at the moment,” he said.

“There are hundreds of medications that are on the PBS list that are unavailable.

“That’s been the case for years now – it got worse throughout COVID and hasn’t improved since then.

“We’ll see some patients get two boxes and some get none.

“The doctor will write a script for 60 tablets instead of 30 and we’re not going to have it – and we have to manage that.”

Amcal Pharmacy owner Carlie Street-

er said the new policy would be ‘catastrophic’.

“Pharmacists have a lot of concerns with access to medicine already restricted,” she said.

“Every day we have medications out of stock. We send in a daily order and will have several pages sent back from the wholesaler of medicines that are unavailable or out of stock.

“My technicians then have to scramble to find different brands, different stockists or wholesalers, or we have to get patients to go back to GPs to get a prescription for something else that will do the same thing.

“I have been a pharmacist for 20 years and I have never seen medications out of stock like we are seeing already.”

Ms Streeter said the change would not improve health outcomes for the community.

“It will put more pressure on doctors and the hospital system, more medication in homes will lead to more acci-

What goes in each bin

Garden organics

dents or misuse and there will be more wastage,” she said.

“We already have to destroy medications no longer required – imagine if someone had 60 days’ worth and 10 days later their doctor changes their prescription. We’d have to destroy 50 days’ worth of tablets.”

Priceline Pharmacy Horsham owner

Cobie McQueen said while the policy sounded great theoretically, it would not be simple for pharmacists or patients.

“We already have a restricted supply chain – there are almost 400 medications in critical supply in Australia – so what limited supply we do have is going to get used up twice as quickly,” she said.

“These are critical everyday medications that are going to be in even shorter supply than they already are.

“The government has not made the exact list of medications public knowledge yet. However, I do know that there will be medication for blood pressure, cholesterol, asthma and mental health on the list – common, everyday medications that a lot of people take.”

Ms McQueen said she had ‘very little doubt’ rural people would be worse off if this policy came into practice.

“The further you are from the city the more chronic health conditions people tend to have, on average,” she said.

“We are needing more medication, but we are not able to get that medication – it’s going to make it very difficult for our already constrained health system.

“The hospitals are already overrun and when people can’t access their medication, they are probably going to end up in hospital.

“That is just one of the realities associated with this.”

Mixed recycling

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is calling on the Federal Government to guarantee patients or pharmacies will not be ‘worse off’ under a new 60-day medicine policy.

Under a new scheme, stable, chronic patients will be able to purchase 60-day prescriptions instead of 30-day prescriptions, at no higher cost, from September 1.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia national president Trent Twomey said Health Minister Mark Butler’s refusal to guarantee patients would receive the medicine they needed, or that pharmacies would not close, was worrying.

He said if the Federal Government proceeded with the proposal, everyday prescription medicine would be put into severe shortages lasting months and would result in a $3.5 billion cut to patient care.

“Double of nothing is still nothing,” Mr Twomey said.

“This cut to patient care will mean aged-care services are reduced and elderly patients might go without medicine.

“This cut will mean parents wanting access to late-night medicines for their kids will miss out because pharmacies will be forced to scale back their opening hours.

“This cut will put more pressure on emergency departments because people will need to go somewhere when their pharmacy is closed.”

Mr Butler said the policy would provide cheaper medication for Australians.

“Every year, nearly one million

Australians are forced to delay or go without a medicine that their doctor has told them is necessary for their health,” he said.

“This cheaper medicines policy is safe, good for Australians’ hip pockets and most importantly good for their health.

“Australian pharmacies already do much more than just dispense medicine and the government is supporting our trusted pharmacists to play an even bigger role in the healthcare of Australians.”

The Federal Government announced at least six million Australians would halve their medicine costs and need fewer visits to the GP and pharmacist.

Mr Twomey said Australians did not support the policy if it meant pharmacy shelves were bare.

“I don’t want to see a ‘Hunger Games’ stand-off in any community in Australia where some patients get double the medicine they need, while others get nothing,” he said.

“We want to work with the government to deliver cheaper medicine for millions of patients through our proposal to drop the PBS co-payment to $19, helping all Australians in this cost-ofliving crisis.”

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia surveyed 2282 people via phone across Australia on April 6 and 7. It found 84 percent of Australians did not want the proposal to proceed.

In regional Australia, 86 percent of respondents said 60-day dispensing should not go ahead if it would result in medicine shortages.

any kind, chemicals or hazardous waste, building waste, soil or rubble. Scan the QR code to find out where to dispose of these items.

General rubbish

Broken glassware, crockery and mirrors

Nappies, wet wipes, kitty litter, animal droppings

Old clothing, shoes or textiles that can’t be repaired or donated

Loose jar lids and bottle caps, pumps, sprays, droppers

Plastic bags, other soft plastics, clothing, shoes, textiles, coated or waxed cardboard, electronic waste and batteries, crockery, polystyrene (styrofoam).

Electronic waste and batteries, garden waste, household chemicals, recyclable items, soil, building materials.

Kitty litter, animal droppings, large branches, tree stumps, liquids, food scraps or household waste, plastic pots, bricks or rubble, sand or dirt, garden hose.

Terry White Chemmart owner Stuart Hall

BY ABBY WALTER

Industry leaders say a 60-day prescription scheme for common medications will result in a ‘serious’ pay cut for Wimmera pharmacies.

The Federal Government announced last week general practitioners would be able to prescribe medication for stable, chronic conditions for 60 days instead of 30 days, from September 1.

The Federal Government also announced the cost of 60-day prescriptions would be the same as current, 30-day prescriptions.

Under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, PBS, patients and the government make a co-payment for medications listed in the scheme.

General patients pay up to $30 for most PBS medicines and concession holders pay $7.30. The Federal Government pays the remaining cost, which can range from $20 to several thousand dollars.

Terry White Chemmart owner Stuart Hall said the policy would have a ‘severe’ financial impact on pharmacies.

“It’s essentially a pay cut to pharmacists dressed up as a convenience for patients,” he said.

“People on chronic medication will have a prescription to collect six times a year, so the pharmacy will be paid

every two months instead of every month.

“It’s calculated the government is going to save $1 billion a year if this goes ahead, so divided by 6000 pharmacies across Australia it is $170,000 a year less that a pharmacy will receive.”

Mr Hall said pharmacies could not afford such a significant reduction in income.

“For us, if this goes ahead, there will be some serious thought given to what services we provide,” he said.

“Most pharmacies provide deliveries, vaccinations, personalised medication packs and are open seven days a week. These are things that people take for granted that pharmacies might not be able to provide if the funding cut goes ahead.

“It is a lot of money, $170,000 for a small business – jobs are at risk and services to patients are at risk.

“I’ve been a pharmacist for almost 30 years and this is by far the most serious threat to the industry in my time.”

Priceline Pharmacy Horsham owner Cobie McQueen said the pharmacy industry proposed cheaper monthly medication to the Federal Government.

“This would help with increased costs of living at the moment. The

IMPACT: Priceline Horsham phamacists Cobie McQueen, Jack Vague and Jay Hogan are concerned about possible consequences when a 60day prescription scheme for some PBS medications begins.

proposal was to drop the general payment from $30 down to $19 under the PBS,” she said.

“It would also make sure the constrained medication supply is dispensed as fairly as possible, because people would still be collecting medication monthly.”

Ms McQueen said it appeared Federal Government payments would be halved.

“A lot of services we offer, including coming in and talking to someone for free, are subsidised by the dispensing fee that we get every time we dispense a PBS medication,” she said.

“So when 60-day dispensing comes in, that will effectively be halved –which affects the healthcare that we can offer in pharmacy and then pushes more pressure onto emergency departments. I think there will be a lot of consequences.”

Amcal Pharmacy owner Carlie Streeter said she was ‘all for’ making medication more affordable.

“We were so excited at the start of the year when the co-payment was reduced to $30, which saves people so much money,” she said.

“To make medication cheaper, they need to cut the co-payment more – not

give people extra medication. It will also be a huge cut to the way locallyowned pharmacies are funded, which will have a knock-on effect on our communities.

“It doesn’t make sense for it to be rushed through without consultation on how it will be managed or keep businesses viable.”

Mr Hall said when a similar scheme was implemented in New Zealand, it forced pharmacies to close.

“In New Zealand, 70 pharmacies closed and our population is five times what New Zealand’s is,” he said.

“If Australia lost 350 of its pharmacies, that’s about six percent – there would be a lot of little one-pharmacy towns that wouldn’t be able to sustain a pharmacy anymore.”

Mr Hall said pharmacies were working to do the right thing for their communities.

“It’s going to be talked about a lot in the community and we just need people to stick up for us – we’re trying to hold it all together for them,” he said.

“It doesn’t come in until September so we’re just hoping the government changes its mind before then, or at least negotiates with our professional body.

“I think people value their pharmacy – they don’t want to see it damaged.”

Regional pharmacies at risk of unintended consequences

We are seeing a pattern emerge where the Federal Government develops a headline rather than well-developed policy, which fails to appreciate the consequences for regional communities.

Expediting the aged care reforms without investing in capacity to ensure it is actually possible is one example, resulting in straining already stretched regional aged care centres.

In childcare the government has spent billions on subsidies that might benefit urban centres, but in reality do not create one extra place in regional childcare deserts, and in healthcare Labor quickly expanded the distribution priority areas to alleviate doctor

Horsham

shortages in peri-urban settings, but led to a direct bleed of doctors out of the regions.

And here we go again – Labor has introduced new policy where regional pharmacies are at risk of unintended consequences that could be dire.

The Federal Budget will double the amount of medicines Australians can purchase by allowing 60-day dispensing as part of their shake-up of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, PBS.

I have been contacted by a number of community pharmacies across Mallee – in Nhill, Horsham, Ouyen, Lake Boga and Cohuna, among others – who are seriously concerned about

COMMENT

with Dr Anne Webster

the effects it will have on them. They have told me the current supply-chain of medications is precarious without additional pressure.

As it stands, pharmacies are often unable to supply patients with their regular medications due to nationwide shortages of common medications, including those used for diabetes, blood pressure and some mental health conditions.

Doubling the allocation of dispensed medications for one patient could see others miss out, with those supply chains already struggling.

In some cases, these pharmacies are the only one for a hundred kilometres and if they are unable to maintain their stocks then patients will be forced to travel a long way to fill prescriptions.

The loss of dispensing income for pharmacies could ultimately end up threatening the viability of community pharmacies.

At a patient level, the risk of medication mismanagement could also increase with 60-day dispensation.

Pharmacists are currently able to communicate regularly with patients

who come in to fill scripts and monitor their medication usage.

With more medication in a patient’s cupboard, two months is a long time for someone to be taking a medication incorrectly, which could lead to poor health outcomes.

The government needs to ensure this new policy does not trigger supply collapse or the closure of local pharmacies or reduction in their operating hours.

I will continue to hold the government to account regarding decisions such as this one that regularly disregard the impacts and reality for regional and remote communities, particularly in Mallee.

Services, jobs vulnerable under plan

EXPLORE YOUR OWN BACKYARD

Look local and explore the iconic experiences of your own backyard. That’s the call from Grampians Tourism officials, encouraging people to experience the fantastic tourism, entertainment, hospitality and retail opportunities the region has to offer.

Halls Gap is nestled in the wondrous Grampians National Park, also known as Gariwerd — an ancient landscape that offers bountiful family adventures and natural wonders. It is renowned for spectacular hiking, stunning views and inquisitive wildlife.

The small village is the perfect base from which to explore two of the region’s most popular natural attractions. MacKenzie Falls, also known as

Migunang wirab, is the most spectacular waterfall in the Grampians and offers challenging walks with mustsee rewards; while visitors to Venus Baths can take an easy stroll through Halls Gap Botanical Gardens before reaching the naturally-formed rockpools, filled with fresh water, to splash around and cool off.

Halls Gap is also a wonderful place to meet some Australian locals — from wallabies and emus to echidnas and lizards, which can be seen up close at the Halls Gap Zoo, the largest regional zoo in Victoria.

Halls Gap offers a range of accommodation and dining options for all budgets.

HIDDEN GEM

A 10-minute drive from Halls Gap is Pomonal. A true hidden gem of the region, Pomonal offers a slice of everything that the Grampians is celebrated for – stunning views, adventures on water, and local produce.

Produce including wine, beer and cider; preserves; table olives, virgin olive oil and salts; and dressings and vinegars is readily available direct from farm gates and cellar doors; or people can kick back and dine out at a range of venues.

Those looking to make a splash should head to Lake

COUNTRY ATMOSPHERE

Returning north along the Henty Highway, visitors will find the regional city of Horsham — a bustling commercial centre, on the banks of the Wimmera River which is known for its relaxed country atmosphere.

For those seeking further escape from the hustle and bustle, the areas surrounding Horsham have endless opportunities for deeper exploration - whether it be the world-famous Mount Arapiles and its little sister Mitre Rock, near Natimuk west of Horsham, for driving, walking, cycling or climbing adventures; Dadswells Bridge, which is famous

for the Giant Koala; or the northern Grampians area, which is home to popular hikes such as Mount Zero Mount Stapylton or Hollow Mountain, also known as Wudjub-guyun.

Horsham provides a host of things to do in and around the town. Take a stroll along the banks of the picturesque Wimmera River, a beloved spot for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, as well as a stunning picnic location; or pay a visit to the botanical gardens to experience the work of William Guilfoyle, who also designed Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. Visitors can see outstanding

CELEBRATING HISTORY

Fyans — a great destination for swimming, water skiing, boating and fishing, with good stocks of brown trout, rainbow trout and redfin.

There are two beaches to choose from — the first at the rear of the Lake Fyans Holiday Park which can be accessed as a day visitor for just a few dollars and the other, Kelleys Beach, at the south-western side of the lake which is the best for swimming. A 9.6km walking track around the lake is a great way to explore the plant life and bird trails.

exhibitions and a fine collection of Australian art and photography at Horsham Regional Art Gallery; or for lovers of live music and performance, Horsham Town Hall hosts quality shows year-round.

Golf lovers will adore Horsham’s stunning 18-hole golf course — a dynamic course rated in the top 100 golf courses in Australia.

Horsham is also a gateway to the epic artworks of the Silo Art Trail and a perfect base for exploring the surrounding natural attractions such as water-based activities at Green Lake, hiking and rockclimbing in the Grampians or Mt Arapiles national parks.

Venturing south into the southern Grampians, visitors can find themselves in the historical township of Hamilton — a lively heart of western Victoria’s farming industry.

As a town that celebrates its history and culture, visitors can pop into a wide range of historical and vivid attractions, from rich museums such as the Sir Reginald Ansett Transport Museum and Campes Motor Museum to the Hamilton Art Gallery They can also take a leisure-

ly stroll through the region’s lush gardens or the town’s laneways to experience its vibrant local art. Hamilton also has a bustling hospitality and retail scene.

If wide open space is more your scene, take a short detour from the Glenelg Highway and unwind with a relaxing outdoor activity such as a refreshing swim, fish, a scenic picnic, or a barbeque cook-up at the stunning Nigretta Falls, a small waterfall fed by the Wannon River.

EXPLORE YOUR OWN BACKYARD EXPLORE YOUR OWN BACKYARD EXPLORE YOUR OWN BACKYARD

Mayor: Concerns left unanswered

Northern Grampians Shire Council is calling for regulatory consideration of the Victoria to NSW Interconnector West project to be suspended.

It was one of three resolutions landowners proposed during a town meeting in St Arnaud last month, gaining the council’s support.

The council also requested the State Government respond publicly to issues raised in a submission by former National Electricity Market’s reliability panel member and electrical engineering professor Simon Bartlett, and Victoria Energy Policy Centre director Bruce Mountain.

The council’s third request was that Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio investigate the transparency and due diligence displayed throughout the planning process.

The Victoria to NSW Interconnector, VNI, West project is a highcapacity transmission line that will connect the Western Renewables Link in Victoria to EnergyConnect in New South Wales and provide new transmission to deliver clean energy to consumers.

Australian Energy Market Operator, AEMO, is responsible for the planning of the Victorian transmission network, known as the AEMO Victorian Planner, AVP.

Northern Grampians mayor

Kevin Erwin said he was frustrated landowners’ concerns remained unanswered.

“We are talking about one of the biggest rural energy infrastructure projects built in the past 60 years and the government’s planner can’t confirm how it will operate on the easement,” he said.

“Making matters worse is the acceleration of the project from concept, final recommendation, route refinement and works commencing in spring.”

Extensive modelling

An AEMO spokesperson said the VNI West would share low-cost, diverse electricity from multiple renewable energy zones with consumers across several states.

“We’ve run a transparent and collaborative consultation process since 2019 to identify a preferred option that maximises consumer benefits while meeting the power system needs for all Victorians,” the spokesperson said.

“Extensive modelling shows that VNI West delivers benefits to consumers in meeting energy reliability and security as ageing coal-fired power stations close.

“Our focus now turns to assessing more than 500 submissions and publishing a preferred option for VNI West.”

Cr Erwin said the council had cohosted a community information evening with the Victorian Farm-

ers Federation, initiated two online forums, made a formal submission and authorised a public meeting in St Arnaud – all since February “People have given freely of their time to participate in these discussions, but the expectation that it would lead to some answers has so far been unfounded,” he said.

“I think many people would be surprised to learn that AEMO did not brief councillors until April 3 – just two days before the deadline for lodging our own submission.”

Cr Erwin said the council was required, under the Local Government Act, to undertake deliberative engagement about key decisions including providing the community with access to objective, relevant and timely information.

“In stark contrast, it’s unbelievable that the opportunity for community feedback has closed, but key concerns about property access rights, land values, biosecurity and permitted farming practices on transmission easements have not been addressed,” he said.

Cr Erwin said the process appeared to have a greater emphasis on ‘ticking the box’ for having an engagement process, with little consideration of the outcome.

“It’s time to recognise that our farms are not only businesses, but they are people’s homes that support the livelihoods of local families and community members who must be respected,” he said.

Gemstone, mineral showcase

People interested in precious stones and minerals are in for a treat on Saturday and Sunday.

Horsham and District Lapidary Club will host its annual Gemstone and Mineral Exhibition this weekend at its clubrooms in Roberts Avenue.

Club secretary Selina Smith said the showcase was the club’s major fundraiser for the year.

“It keeps us going financially and attracts new members,” she said.

Mrs Smith said the annual event was key to the longevity of the club and what it could teach people in the region.

“There is a lot of knowledge that needs to be passed on,” she said.

The exhibition will feature displays, showcases from club members and demonstrations in gem faceting, silversmithing and wire weaving, among others.

There will also be workshops for children on both days that teach ‘working

with gemstones’. Mrs Smith said people interested should book ahead as workshops sold-out quickly.

She said two visiting stalls would provide Mother’s Day gift opportunities in the form of gemstones and Australian rare minerals.

Mrs Smith said the exhibition offered people with an interest in lapidary to see inside the Horsham clubrooms.

“Within the building, static displays and other works from members will be on show,” she said.

“We are very proud to be located in such an historic building — the old police station site.”

The yearly exhibition begins at 10am on Saturday and runs until 5pm. On Sunday, doors open at 10am and the exhibiton will finish at 4pm.

People wanting to know more, or to book a workshop, can email horsham. lapidary@gmail.com

ALL WELCOME: Horsham and District Lapidary Club secretary Selina Smith invites people to explore the club’s annual Gemstone and Mineral Exhibition this weekend. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Apolicythatensuresweeklyfederalgovernmentadvertisingisplacedinregionalnewspaperswouldbegreatnewsfor

Great news for the country that won’t cost a cent

Yourssincerely,

An open letter to Treasurer Jim Chalmers regarding the Budget

Thursday 8 December 2022

DirectorofAustralian Community Media, Australia'slargest around the country.In NSW we publish 8 daily Wagga Daily Advertiser and the Northern Daily south in Batemans Bay to far north in Lismore.We ourstable of papers.

The Hon. Dominic Perrottet MP Premierof NSW GPO 5341 Sydney, NSW 2000

There’s a crisis in our country you can fix in your first budget, at no extra cost.

Dear Dr Chalmers,

With the stroke of a pen you could help secure the future of critical regional news services, using money already allocated in the budget.

By email: media@premier.nsw.gov.au

for our industry and the communities we serve. andcities. Sadly, due to the rise of the digital platforms and toclose and many more are on life support.

All you need to do is allocate a fairer percentage of the federal government’s advertising budget to local and regional news services, rather than spending almost all of it with corporate capital city media and foreign-owned digital platforms (which don’t produce any content or employ any journalists).

Rowlands announced a campaign promise of $15m of that we faced at the time.Whilst thisis welcomed by issues we face.

Dear Premier Perrottet

By way of introduction, I am the Managing DirectorofAustralian Community independent regional publisher. ACM has over 140 titles around the newspapers like the Newcastle Herald,Illawarra Mercury, Wagga Daily Leader. Additionally, we publish 47 weekly titles from the far south in Batemans also have the St.George and Sutherlands Leadersin ourstable of papers.

This can be achieved by simply adopting the Victorian Govt policy that mandates a weekly full page government advertisement in every regional and community paper.

Premier ofVictoria (see attached) with a policy that page advertisementin every regional paper every week

for NSW Labor that does three things: the jobs they support communications toolin the most trusted of mediums grants. represent another 27 publicationsin NSW and, together, policy announcement across our respective mastheads and

Local and regional newspapers connect more than 80% of the country, but they get almost 0% of the government advertising spend. In an era where false news spreads faster on social media than the truth does, trusted local news services reach more regional Australians than any other medium. And unlike other media, every government dollar spent with a local newspaper is also an investment in regional journalism jobs. This shouldn’t be controversial.

The reason for writing to you is to seek your support for our industry Regional newspapers are the lifeblood of their towns andcities. Sadly, due increased cost pressures many titlesin NSW have had toclose and many

During the recent federal election campaign, Michelle Rowlands announced grant funding to address the 80% rise innewsprint costs that we faced the industry itis a short term solution to ongoing structural issues we face. Amore meaningfulsolutionhas been enacted by the Premier ofVictoria guarantees that the Vic state government will buy a full page advertisementin of the year.

A recent parliamentary inquiry recommended that a minimum of 20% of government print advertising should be placed with regional news services. A recent study conducted by Deakin University recommended the same thing. In fact, the Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, has been advocating for more regional newspaper advertising for many years.

We believe a similar policy could be an election promise for NSW Labor

- provides certainty for regional publishers and the jobs they support

- provides the NSW Government with a valuable communications

We know there may be bigger budget issues, but this small policy change would be a simple and fair solution to a growing problem for regional Australia. A policy that ensures weekly federal government advertising is placed in regional newspapers would be great news for the country.

to meet withyou at any time to discuss thisimportant

And it won’t cost you a cent.

Yours sincerely,

- moves away from the need for government grants.

We are working with the Country Press Association that represent another we would be enthusiastically covering this proposed policy announcement their websites.

Both Andrew Manuel from the CPA and I are available to meet withyou initiative.

Andrew Manuel President Country Press Australia

Andrew Manuel President Country Press Australia am@plainsproducer.com.au

Managing Director

Australian Community Media Tony.kendall@austcommunitymedia.com.au

Appeal for community

Horsham’s Salvation Army is raising money this month for the Red Shield Appeal to support various programs the organisation facilitates.

Horsham Salvation Army captain Tracy Sutton said the team would be collecting donations at various points throughout May.

“We will have donation points at Woolworths, Coles and the Horsham Plaza from May 17 to 21 and host three Bunnings barbeques with our first one this Saturday,” she said.

“People can create a digital doorknock page to collect donations or share our digital doorknock page on Facebook, via email or messages.

“We will also have a Red Shield Appeal concert by the Horsham Rural City Band that will feature the junior development band on May 13 at the Salvation Army office in Horsham.”

Mrs Sutton said all money raised remained in the community.

Writing deadline

Wimmera writers have until Sunday to finalise their entry for an annual creative writing competition.

The Art is... festival has partnered with ACE Radio and The Weekly Advertiser to again host the competition – calling on submissions to the theme, ‘fire in my life’.

People living in the Wimmera and Grampians, within The Weekly Advertiser’s distribution area, are eligible to enter.

The festival’s manager Alistair Shaw encouraged people to consider their personal interpretation of the theme.

“It can involve talking about something involving warmth and heat or flames that is personal, in present or in memory, or that happened to someone else, or that someone saw,” Mr Shaw said.

“It can be about something that ‘fires’ someone, or it can be about the place that fire has in our community, in our civilisation, or to ourselves as people, or as a people.”

SUPPORT: Horsham Salvation Army captains Chris and Tracy Sutton and Horsham Rural City councillor Claudia Haenel, right, promote the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal, with all money raised remaining in the community.

“The money goes towards our community lunch every Tuesday that between 30 and 40 people attend,” she said.

“It also funds Salvation Army camps for disadvantaged children and teenagers in our area.

“This year we are starting a new

program called ‘Recovery Church’ for people recovering from or going through addiction or other mental illness – that will be a meal on Fridays followed by a service.

“Most of our funds this year will go towards that.”

Mrs Sutton said the team aimed

Opening dialogue

Events in the Wimmera this week will utilise a social environment to raise awareness of matters deserving of broader community attention.

The Wimmera Committee Against Family Violence will host a candlelight vigil in Horsham tomorrow to draw awareness to the prevalence of family and domestic violence in the community, and as a sign of support for victim-survivors.

Horsham District league’s WorkSafe game between Laharum and Edenhope-Apsley, on Saturday, goes on to offer a forum for awareness and conversations about mental ill-health and supports available.

These are two examples of health and wellness matters requiring whole-of-community awareness and social change – in actions of both prevention and support.

Language matters, and fostering a culture where it is safe to speak, and to seek help, without judgement begins from a young age.

Children form perceptions of the world from the examples and actions they see in the environment around them. These perceptions and attitudes are often unconscious.

In terms of family and domestic violence, the latest National Community Attitudes Survey, released earlier in the year, showed that while people recognise family and domestic violence is a problem, less than half accept it occurs in their town.

The awareness of the breadth of the behaviours considered family and domestic violence is increasing – but change is slow and victim-survi-

EDITORIAL

By Jessica Grimble

vors, who are largely women, can often continue to receive the blame for a perpetrator’s actions.

In terms of mental ill-health, the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns led to greater awareness and, often, empathy and support when lines between personal and professional lives were blurred.

WorkSafe has launched a mental health strategy in response to the rapidly growing number of claims relating to mental ill-health statewide.

Sporting clubs are a widely accepted and recognised social outlet for many people and it is this platform, with its rapport and trust, that offers opportunities for important and genuine conversations for the future benefit of all.

But awareness is one thing; action and-or prevention is another.

It starts with a conversation – today, and every day. You could change someone’s life.

• If you, or someone you know, needs help in relation to family and domestic violence, phone 1800 RESPECT; in an emergency phone 000.

• If you, or someone you know, requires support for mental ill-health, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or the Suicide Call Back line on 1300 659 467; if there is an immediate risk of harm, phone 000.

Mother’s Day Mother’s Day Win!

SUNDAY, MAY 14

Simply book your table for dinner & go into the draw to win a 2-course dinner for your Mum.

All Mothers receive a FREE drink on arrival

Prizes | Giveaways

to raise $12,000 after raising $11,000 last year.

“Every little bit counts,” she said.

Donations to the Red Shield Appeal can be made, and digital doorknock pages can be created at www.salvationarmy.org.au

Finalists, highly commended and winning entries, in both junior and senior categories, will be published in The Weekly Advertiser Works will also be recorded as a podcast.

Submissions can be between 500 and 750 words; the junior category applies to anyone aged under-18.

Entries close on Sunday via artiswimmera. com and people wanting more information can email admin@artis.wimmera.org.au

The Art is… festival runs from May 24 to June 4.

Getting in touch with The Weekly AdverTiser

Getting in touch with The Weekly AdverTiser

Our office is at 2 Stawell Road, Horsham. Mail: PO Box 606, Horsham 3402. Telephone: 5382 1351.

Our office is at 2 Stawell Road, Horsham. Mail: PO Box 606, Horsham 3402. Telephone: 5382 1351. Fax: 5381 1147.

Website: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Email: weeklyadvertiser@team.aceradio.com.au

Website: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

For classified advertisements: 5382 1351 – email: horsham@aceradio.com.au

Email: weeklyadvertiser@team.aceradio.com.au

For classified advertisements: 5382 1351 – email: horshamreception@team.aceradio.com.au

Advertising: Mark Sulic: 0407 313 456, marks@team.aceradio.com.au; Lee Meadows: 0407 046 864, leem@team.aceradio.com.au; Nathan Henry: 0418 657 247, nathanh@team.aceradio.com.au

Advertising: Mark Sulic: 0407 313 456, marks@team.aceradio.com.au; Lee Meadows: 0407 046 864, leem@team.aceradio.com.au; Michelle Reid: 0428 870 511, mreid@aceradio.com.au; Danica Turvey: 0488 473 562, dturvey@aceradio.com.au; Heidi Higginson: 0438 759 220, heidih@aceradio.com.au

Newsroom: Dean Lawson: 0448 571 811, deanl@team.aceradio.com.au; Lauren Henry: 5382 1351, laurenh@team.aceradio.com.au

Newsroom: Jessica Grimble: 0400 836 483, jgrimble@aceradio.com.au; Abby Walter: 0483 027 536, awalter@aceradio.com.au; Sean O’Connell: 0467 978 396, soconnell@aceradio.com.au; Georgia Bailey: 5382 1351, georgiab@team.aceradio.com.au The

The publisher and general manager is Scott Grambau, C/- 2 Stawell Road, Horsham, for Ace Radio Broadcasters Pty Ltd, ACN 064 882 042. The Weekly Advertiser is a free paper printed by Newsprinters Pty Ltd, 7940 Melbourne Rd, Shepparton, and distributed by regional distributors and Australia Post.

Come

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Urban activity hub plan elevated

BY JESSICA GRIMBLE

Horsham Skate Park could transform into an urban activity hub with a pump track, dirt jumps, play spaces and fitness and gathering areas.

Horsham Rural City Council has adopted a concept plan for the Horsham Youth Park Enterprise precinct, HYPE, on the corner of Natimuk Road and Park Drive – meaning it can progress to refined planning and a detailed design, costings and identification of funding options.

High-level estimates the cost of the project at $1.5-million.

The work seeks to increase use of the precinct from the broader community, including families, by diversifying infrastructure, improving safety, and offering designated spaces to gather and socialise.

The project was recommended for elevation in the council’s schedule of ‘shovel ready’ and fundable projects.

Councillor David Bowe told the council’s latest meeting, on Monday last week, that a new design would seek to engage people of all ages, abilities and genders.

“This updated concept plan reflects the vision of an incredible, inclusive, accessible experience packed with opportunities and to learn and observe, engage and have a go and to be in a safe space,” Cr Bowe said.

“Clearly this skate park will be a tremendous asset for our community and visitors who come to it.

“The Horsham Skate Park is already a regular stop and a regular activity for people using scooters, skateboards and bikes, however, a gender

impact assessment has revealed that the main demographic currently using the park are males aged between four and 30.

“The proposed upgrades to the park will result in more diverse usage, with people of all different ages, abilities and genders feeling comfortable using the space.

“It will also increase safety, both perceived and real, and increase accessibility across and throughout the park regardless of people’s abilities.”

The council manages the skate park, which is located on Crown land. It lists the skate park as a ‘regional level facility’ but it does not currently meet

the required design and infrastructure expectations of the classification.

A community reference group, established in August 2021, helped to develop the concept plan.

Community engagement occurred across a six-week period, receiving 435 positive responses from a total 438 submissions.

A report to the council noted the skate park is in a highly-visible location but has poor shade and amenity, is prone to vandalism and accessed by limited users – most of whom are boys and young men.

Cr Penny Flynn said upgrades to the skate park had the potential for signifi-

CHANGE

City

“It would become a play and recreational space of regional significance, generate health outcomes and economic activity and become a model for inclusive public space design”

– Cr Penny Flynn

males, but we can encourage families to go there and use it,” he said.

“I’ve spoken to numerous parents over the years. At times they are concerned they can’t leave their children down there on their own.

and

Dale Schmid

Horsham Skate Park which would transform under a councilendorsed plan to offer more activites that appeal to families.

cant economic and tourism benefits – including attracting competitions.

“It would become a play and recreational space of regional significance, generate health outcomes and economic activity and become a model for inclusive public space design,” she said.

Cr Les Power said the plan showed the ‘overwhelming’ potential for the precinct.

“Instead of sticking some concrete in the ground and hoping that people will go along and use it, we’ve now got a plan that we can actually upgrade the facility and encourage not only the age group between 10 and 30 year-old

“This development, I believe, will help that and encourage not only the ones there now to use the park more often; but will encourage other people to go.”

The report to the council noted improved infrastructure at the skate park could increase physical activity levels for an additional 100 people a week, with associated health, wellbeing, employment and social benefits.

Cr Claudia Haenel said the report indicated upgrades would have an ‘expected’ positive impact for girls and women, but said there was no guarantee of increased use, in practice.

“I just wonder what are we really doing for our young girls and women in community and have we asked them what they really want?” she said.

Cr Ian Ross said the park could become a ‘positive attribution’ for the region, but he didn’t want other funding demands such as roads infrastructure to become compromised.

AFOOT: Scooter rider Mitch Williams

Horsham Rural

Council’s

at

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

YYarriambiack arriambiack

News News

Next Council Meeting: Wednesday 24 May 2023

Mayoral Matters - Update

Playgroup Is Back! Keep Up To Date With Council News

On April 12 it was my honour to host a Citizenship Ceremony where Arun, Gurmeet and his daughter Evelyn officially became Australian Citizens. This is one of the most enjoyable moments of being Mayor of Yarriambiack Shire and is a proud moment for our Council.

On ANZAC Day I attended the Sheep Hills, Warracknabeal and Brim ANZAC Day events. It was uplifting to see the generations of community attending the marches and events, commemorating of Australia and New Zealand for victims of war and for recognition of the role of their armed forces.

In Murtoa, it is exciting to see the Rumble@Rabl Park project taking shape with initial preparation work commenced for the installation of the pump track and toddler’s playground. This is a great example of community and council working together advocating for facilities. Thank you to Murtoa Progress Association and Murtoa P-12 College for their passionate assistance on this project to date.

It’s that time of year again where we hit the road and meet with the community regarding our draft Budget. The Community Consultations dates are confirmed which also include meetings with specific community groups and pop-up cafes. I will be in attendance, along with our CEO Tammy to meet with community members to present the draft budget and priority projects for the next 12 months. Details regarding the Budget Community Consultations are located on our website.

Our new draft Tourism and Economic Development Strategy will be out for community consultation in Mid-May. Community feedback on this document is important, as the strategy will inform our future direction in support and advocating for tourism and business.

Council is working with TOMRA Cleanaway, who was announced last week by the Victorian Government as the appointed container deposit scheme network operator for the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme ‘CDS Vic’ for Western Victoria. TOMRA Cleanaway will be hosting stakeholder and community engagement sessions in the Shire in the coming months, leading up to the introduction of the new container deposit scheme, intended to commence in November 2023. The scheme will reward Victorians with a 10-cent refund for every eligible can, carton and bottle they return. Stay tuned for more details on this initiative.

Library Update - Intra Library Loans

Public Libraries Victoria have re-established Intra-Library Loans (ILL’s), or commonly known as Holds. The North West Network which was formed in the ILL hiatus, officially disbanding 25th April, 2023.

Beulah residents will notice that tree planting on Phillips Street nature strips will commence at the end of the month with Callistemon (Kings Park Special) and Lagerstromea varieties selected to provide shade and colour when in flower.

Rumble @ Rabl Park

Patrons can place an item on hold from Libraries in the new Shared Network via www.yarriambiack.vic.gov.au/Community /Library. Alternatively, Patrons can attend or contact Yarriambiack Libraries on 03 5398 1270 and have one of our friendly staff place the hold on their behalf.

Safe Asbestos Disposal - Now Available in Yarriambiack

Council's new service for asbestos disposal is now available at Warracknabeal, Hopetoun and Murtoa transfer stations. This service is designed for small household quantities. For more information visit www.yarriambiack.vic.gov.au/CouncilServices/Waste/Disposing-of-asbestos.

The Warracknabeal Tourist Information Centre has officially been handed over to the volunteer committee and are currently working through their volunteer schedule to staff the centre, ensuring visitors to the region are provided with information on all of the amazing things to see and do in Yarriambiack Shire and the wider region.

Council is working closely with Rural Northwest Health advocating to the State Government’s Department of Health to solve Hopetoun’s Urgent Care Service challenges. We recognize that it is a regional hub for health and the urgent care service is significant for the Northern end of our shire. The national shortage of medical practitioners also magnifies the issues faced for not only Hopetoun but rural Australia.

Save the date as Seymour Rail is making its way back through the region in early August. Take a step back in time and enjoy a rail adventure through the Wimmera Mallee. More details will be available on Council’s website in the coming weeks.

Classic registrations soaring

BY ABBY WALTER

City grants delivered

Day Classic organising committees are busy across the Wimmera as they prepare for annual Breast Cancer Foundation fundraising events.

Mother’s

Classic run and walk events will occur in Edenhope, Horsham, St Arnaud and Stawell on Sunday, next week.

Horsham event organising committee member Jackie Exell said participant numbers were ‘soaring’.

“Our online registrations for this year have surpassed last year’s online registrations and we are still more than a week out,” she said.

“We have 112 registrations so far and would love if people who plan to attend the event register online, although registrations will be open on the day as well.

“Everyone who registers online before the day goes in a draw to win a necklace donated by Mackays Family Jewellers.”

The Mother’s Day Classic Foundation has, for the past 25 years, been the largest single donor to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, NBCF, raising $41.45 million for research.

NBCF is Australia’s leading national body funding breast cancer research and has raised about $200 million to fund nearly 600 breast cancer research projects in Australia.

Ms Exell said one-in-seven women and about one-in-600 men were diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

“It’s really important that we raise money for research that will work to eliminate breast cancer,” she said.

“We don’t want anyone to go through what so many women have

gone through. We know research really does make an impact because, since 1994, the five-year survival rate has increased from 76 percent to 92 percent.”

Ms Exell said the day would be full of fun – additional to running or walking.

“We will have Athletes Foot there with a stall, face painting for the children and raffles,” she said.

“Lisa Cosson, of Planet Feel Good, will host the warm-up and I believe one of the songs will be a tribute to Olivia Newton-John, which will be lovely.

“We will also have Rachel, of Bella

Madre Photography, taking photos as well – not only of the event but, she will be out on the course on a scooter taking pictures.

“We will have spot prizes for categories such as most enthusiastic warmup, best-dressed team and more.”

Ms Exell said the MIXX FM Workplace Warriors would continue again this year.

“We have seven businesses registered so far and the team with the most participants will win a $3000 advertising package,” she said.

“It’s easy to complete a team registration and business teams don’t need to just be employees; if someone

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wants to support a local business, they can join their team, too.”

Horsham’s event will be at Sawyer Park from 8am with the five-kilometre walk or run to start at 9am.

Edenhope’s Henley Park will be the starting line from 9.30am for a one, two or 5.5-kilometre walk or 5.5-kilometre run.

St Arnaud’s event is at Lord Nelson Park with a one, two or four-kilometre walk or run starting at 8.30am.

In Stawell, participants can walk or run four kilometres or run seven kilometres from 9am at North Park.

Registrations can be made via mothersdayclassic.com.au/events

Community groups across the Horsham Rural City municipality will receive donations and grants worth more than $440,000.

Through its annual program, the council will provide community grants worth $226,201 for specific projects within the categories of events, sports and recreation, organisations, kindergartens and halls.

The council will also make donations worth $185,068 – more than half of which includes maintenance allocations for community recreation reserves, facilities and halls.

Councillors approved the list of successful grant applications at a meeting on Monday last week.

Cr David Bowe said the funding was important in a time of increasing cost of living.

“These funds will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our community’s growth and wellbeing going forward and with challenging times with the cost of living and other factors that come along,” he said.

Cr Ian Ross said volunteers were vital to the prosperity of the region.

“Our volunteer groups and organisations across the municipality do a wonderful job in giving quality of life in our regional municipality, and this is a little bit of help for their projects and helps on the way to making a great city,” he said.

Cr Les Power said the program was a ‘fantastic’ way to ‘reward’ volunteers, who often went unrecognised.

The council received 80 applications and awarded 69 percent of requests, after inviting applications in February.

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SUPPORTING PINK: From left, Kay Ellis, Jackie Exell and Lesley Schuller are ready for a Mother’s Day Classic run and walk event in Horsham. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

DATE: Wednesday, May 10

FEATURES: Tours, interactive showcase and activities, Year 7 information session, special program information, free barbecue and barista-made coffee

TIMELINE: 1.45pm to 3.30pm: Guided tours in each subschool, commencing at 1.45pm, 2.15pm, 2.45pm 3.30pm to 6:00pm: Self-guided tour of the Middle School, with interactive activities and displays, Guided tours each half hour in the Junior School and Senior School, free barbecue and coffee 6:00pm to 7:00pm: Year 7 2024 Information evening

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SHARING WITH YOU ALL THE HTLC COMMUNITY HAS TO OFFER

MADHOUSE / 7.10-8.30 PM

Stawell laboratory appoints leader

Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory has looked to a home-grown talent to manage its operations.

Kim Mintern-Lane began her tenure as the laboratory’s facility and laboratory manager last week.

The role involves managing the operation of the overall laboratory facility, with a major focus on safety, coordination of occupancy and access to the facility, and maintaining a close working relationship with Stawell Gold Mines officials.

Located one kilometre underground at Stawell Gold Mines, the laboratory, the first dark matter laboratory in the Southern Hemisphere, is among a global quest to understand the nature of dark matter and unlock the secrets

of the universe. After spending almost two decades living away from Stawell, Ms Mintern-Lane said she was looking forward to moving back to her home town where she grew up and attended primary and secondary school.

“I was connected with Stawell because my parents were still here and I have always travelled back and forth to see them,” Ms Mintern-Lane said.

“I love the Grampians and really wanted to get back to the country.”

Ms Mintern-Lane began her professional career as a crime scene investigator and, across an 18-year career with the Australian Federal Police, has developed expertise in forensic science leadership and practice, supporting AFP national operations including illegal importations and counter

terrorism. She was deployed to the Netherlands in 2015 to assist in the investigation of the Malaysian Airlines MH17 plane crash over Ukraine, which she said provided her with experience in world-class investigation processes and laboratory facilities.

In Melbourne, she provided her scientific expertise to the design of a new AFP forensics facility.

Ms Mintern-Lane said she was looking forward to being involved with the management of the laboratory –because it houses the SABRE South dark matter experiment, and for its potential to contribute to further scientific exploration.

“It’s a great opportunity, both for scientific research and for what we can offer the community in Stawell,” she said.

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“The more I look into the research, the more exciting it is.

“We could be confirming the existence of dark matter and it is so exciting to be part of that.

“I’m also interested in what other research could be done in the laboratory in the future.”

The laboratory was officially unveiled late last year.

Lead researcher on the project, University of Melbourne Professor Elisabetta Barberio, said dark matter had eluded scientists for decades.

“We know there is much more matter in the universe than we can see,” Professor Barberio said at the time of the unveiling.

“With the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory, we have the tools and location to detect this dark matter.

“Proving the existence of dark matter will help us understand its nature and forever change how we see the universe.”

The state and federal governments each gave $5 million in funding for the building of the laboratory, boosted by the Australian Research Council awarding a grant worth $35 million for the development of a Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics.

The laboratory is managed by Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory Ltd – which is co-owned by the University of Melbourne, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Australian National University, Swinburne University of Technology and University of Adelaide.

Precinct springs to life

Students, teachers and supporters of Warracknabeal’s three schools came together for their first shared assembly in their new education precinct on Wednesday last week.

Warracknabeal Secondary College, Warracknabeal Primary School and Warracknabeal Special Development School started term two at the Warracknabeal Education Precinct in Werrigar Street.

The principals of each school shared stories of the relocation and future aspirations of the schools during the assembly.

Warracknabeal Secondary College principal Casey Phelan spoke about the history of the secondary school.

She also spoke about aspects of the transition to the new building and

the opportunity the precinct provided for the development of students to be traced all the way through their schooling, from primary to secondary years.

Ms Phelan said Special Development School principal Peter Clayton spoke about the construction of the building – a process he had been directly involved in.

“Primary school principal Chris Kellett spoke about the future, the possibilities of collaboration between staff around student learning and wellbeing,” Mrs Phelan said.

“We’ve settled in fairly well, maintaining our individual identities as schools. The Victorian Department of Education will officially open the precinct in a couple of weeks.”

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UNITED: Students from Warracknabeal Secondary College, Warracknabeal Primary School and Warracknabeal Special Development School gather for their first assembly at their new base, the Warracknabeal Education Precinct, to begin term two last week.

Volunteers work to repair rail trail

Flood repair works to the Grampians Rail Trail are almost complete.

The 11-kilometre trail, which follows the historic Heatherlie Rail Line between Stawell and Lake Lonsdale, experienced flood damage last year when fast-flowing water eroded a section of the trail.

A Stawell Gold Mines grant has enabled Friends of the Grampians Rail Trail to undertake ground works.

Volunteers have smoothed the track, removing ruts, and installed three additional concrete floodways.

Further reinforcement of the track will minimise future flood damage.

Project co-ordinator John Pye said the rail trail began as a Stawell Secondary College student-led project and more than 350 students completed the majority of construction works between 2002 and 2012; it transitioned to a community-run group in 2017.

The not-for-profit group continues to fund, maintain and operate the popular community infrastructure.

The former rail line was used from 1882 to 1949 to transport sandstone from Heatherlie

“We hope to extend it to Halls Gap, creating an iconic rail trail that will enhance the visitor experience in the Grampians and deliver a tourist boom for Stawell”

– John Pye

Quarry in the Grampians to Stawell for historic buildings such as the court house, and on to Melbourne for public buildings such as Parliament House and the State Library.

It meanders through reserves, forest and wetlands.

The rail trail remains open and works are scheduled for completion during autumn.

“We are the only community-operated rail trail in Victoria and rely on the support from organisations such as Stawell Gold Mines and the work of volunteers,” Mr Pye said.

“We hope to extend it to Halls Gap, creating an iconic rail trail that will enhance the visitor experience in the Grampians and deliver a tourist boom for Stawell.”

People can view a trail map via www.railtrails. org.au

Plan ‘fluid and evolving’

Horsham Rural City councillors have endorsed a planning document they say is critical to the direction of the council’s priorities, projects and activities for the year ahead.

Councillors unanimously endorsed the ‘Annual Action Plan 2023-24’ at a meeting on Monday last week.

The plan identifies actions to achieve the priorities and initiatives of the Council Plan, listed under five strategic themes – community, liveability, sustainability, accessibility and leadership.

Councillor Ian Ross said community feedback – which included submissions from six residents and one community interest group during a fourweek engagement period – had informed updates from the plan’s draft stage.

Cr Claudia Haenel said the plan was ‘fluid and evolving’ and was well considered at council and within the community.

The plan’s actions relating to the theme of ‘community’ call to increase use of councilowned venues, recreational facilities and open spaces; support Horsham’s Wesley Per-

Photograph call

forming Arts Centre committee to resume operations; and ensure culture is protected in consultation with Traditional Owners.

‘Liveability’ actions relate to the advocacy of both educational opportunities and integrated health services, responding to community needs including finalising a master plan for Dudley Cornell Park and reviewing its early years plan, destination management and promotion, and the promotion of social interactions.

Sustainability actions consider town and locality future planning, infrastructure needs, innovation, partnerships and funding; while accessibility actions consider both people and infrastructure planning.

The ‘leadership’ category relates to good governance practices and strategic planning.

The one-year plan is renewed annually, and sits within a broader framework from the council’s four-year Council Plan – including its Health and Wellbeing Plan – and its 20year Community Vision, which were both developed in 2021.

People can view the plan in full via hrcc.vic.gov.au

A rural charity is calling for photographs that depict rural and regional living.

Rural Aid has opened entries to its Spirit of the Bush photography competition, with the winning 12 entries published in the charity’s 2024 calendar.

Categories include family, community, mates, faces, eyes, tough and golden hour.

Rural Aid chief executive John Warlters said last year’s competition received more than 1100 entries.

“The photographs that are submitted are always breathtakingly raw, real and reflect the highs and lows of life on the land,” he said.

“I hope to see dozens of photos of successful crops, happy working dogs and fat cattle.

“On the flipside, the pictures of flooded creeks and empty paddocks tell a sobering, but equally important, story.”

The competition closes on May 29.

People wanting more information can go to ruralaid.org. au/spirit-of-the-bush

REPAIR: Friends of the Grampians Rail Trail volunteers are repairing the flood-damaged section of the trail with cash help from Stawell Gold Mines.

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Inclusion key to council planning

Improving access and inclusion and reducing barriers for people living with a disability is the aim of a new Horsham Rural City Council plan.

Councillors unanimously endorsed the ‘Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2023-26 at a meeting last week.

About six percent, or 1272 people, living in the municipality say they need assistance with self-care, mobility, or communication due to a long-term health condition, disability, or old age – though the report acknowledges this figure does not capture all people living with disability in the Horsham community, and the impact of the plan’s actions could have broader impact.

The plan includes four overarching goals –including improving understanding of the barriers faced by people with disability, and the value they bring to the community, through actions such as establishing a disability advisory committee, increasing engagement with people with lived experience of disability, council staff undertaking awareness training, and increased visual representation of people with a disability within council publications.

The plan seeks to provide tailored support and information to improve access to council services for people with disability; and it seeks to continually improve access and inclusion in the built environment and at events for people with disability.

It seeks to provide meaningful opportunities for people with disability to participate in

the workforce, such as reviewing recruitment processes to ensure they are inclusive and unbiased and supporting businesses to become more inclusive by considering their physical access, communication and awareness.

Councillor Ian Ross noted the irony in the timing of the plan coming before the meeting – immediately following deliberation on the relocation of visitor services in Horsham, where carparking considerations dominated debate.

He said accessibility to amenities such as toilets and ease of getting around the town was essential.

“It’s really a nightmare if you don’t have properly-designed facilities for people with limited access. It’s such an important thing for the quality of life of people in our community,” he said.

Cr Claudia Haenel said she hoped the longterm planning would translate to ‘real action’ for the long-term.

Cr David Bowe said the plan followed months of consultation with the community, which had shaped the final document.

The plan is a requirement of the Victorian Disability Act 2006.

Haematology clinic opens

The opening of a haematology clinic in Horsham is the latest development in Grampians Health’s efforts to deliver more accessible care to regional communities.

Patients from Horsham and surrounds will be able to consult a specialist locally via the clinic. They will also be able to receive treatment at the site if they are diagnosed with a blood disorder.

A haematology clinic is integral to the diagnosis and treatment of those with blood disorders as well as cancers such as leukemia, myeloma and lymphoma.

Patients needing to access haematology services through the public health system had to travel to Ballarat or Melbourne prior to the clinic opening.

Dr Adam Facey, a haematologist, will visit the clinic fortnightly to consult with patients in Horsham.

“Clotting and bleeding disorders are common in the community and having a haematology service locally will mean faster, more convenient care,” he said.

“If patients need more intensive treatment for their illness, they might still need this to be delivered in Ballarat or Melbourne, but the clinic in Horsham will save many patients unnecessary travel.”

The clinic operates out of the Wimmera Cancer Centre, in Robinson Street, Horsham, which is also staffed by clinical support nurses,

oncologists, allied health staff and has a palliative care service.

Improved access to care and better clinical capabilities are some of the major goals in Grampians Health Horsham’s clinical services plan.

Appointments to the clinic are currently being provided through GP referrals. People wanting more information about the service can call 538 19169.

Shining a light on changemakers

Entries are open for the annual Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Tidy Towns and Sustainable Cities awards.

The awards, in their 41st year, recognise, celebrate and share environmental achievements and community spirit among applicants including community groups, education institutions, businesses and councils across the state.

These initiatives are designed to empower people, change behaviour, protect the environment, reduce waste, engage youth and indigenous communities, and promote community spirit and resiliency.

The awards program invites entries and shines a spotlight on the innovators and changemakers

across 10 categories – education, environment, energy, community, litter, waste reduction and prevention, heritage and culture, Indigenous culture, wellbeing, and young legend.

Two awards within each of the 10 categories will be presented: the Tidy Towns Award, for projects in regional and rural Victoria; and the Tidy Cities Award, for projects in metropolitan and urban areas.

Entries close on June 18 and winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Melbourne in October.

People wanting more information, or to register, can go to kvb.org.au/awards

Brimpaen Reserve Committee

The Brimpaen Reserve Committee were the fortunate beneficiaries of a sponsorship for $400 to replenishment of soft-fall for the reserve playground.

Committee member, Denise McGennisken, “The soft-fall was delivered on Friday 25th June and has been promptly spread in the fine-weather window since then.

“A small pile has been kept aside, as you will note in the photos, for further spreading once it settles and sinks.

“Please pass on our Committee’s gratitude for including us in your support of the many community projects.”

HSCC – “Working for the community with pride”

“It’s really a nightmare if you don’t have properly-designed facilities for people with limited access. It’s such an important thing for the quality of life of people in our community”

– Ian Ross

Dr Adam Facey

Sparking an arts interest

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Seussical the Musical is poised to allow Wimmera students an opportunity to further their interest in the arts.

Launching tomorrow night, the Horsham Arts Council musical brings together a cast, crew and creative team of more than 60 people to create a Dr Seuss-inspired extravaganza.

Written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, it takes its plot from Seuss stories Horton Hears a Who!, Gertrude McFuzz and Horton Hatches the Egg while referencing many other popular stories. Lead roles include narrator Kayla Wilson as the Cat in the Hat, Mark Deckert as Horton and Jessica Wilson as Amazing Mayzie.

Horsham Arts Council is partnering with Horsham Town Hall and the SPARKS Arts Education Program to bring the show to different audiences.

Arts council secretary Faye Johns said the collaboration was an opportunity to connect students and the region’s performing artists.

“Children have missed out on years of foundational arts, educational and performance experiences,” she said.

“We are excited to perform a show that is perfect for the children of our region, to experience local talent creating and performing art.”

The SPARKS program, funded by the Department of Education, looks to immerse students

in a broad-ranging curriculum that includes visual arts, drama, literature and music. These traditional subjects are complemented by hands-on workshops informed by different ideas or themes.

SPARKS education officer

Vicki Thomas said the arts council’s production of Seussical the Musical was an ideal fit within the SPARK program, in the way the narrative explored ideas of resilience and social connections.

She said the SPARKS program had taken measures to ensure Wimmera students would attend and engage with the production.

“These include subsidised costs for school students and an education resource pack for

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schools that will make curriculum connections to the performance,” she said.

Mrs Johns said the council was overwhelmed by the support of local schools.

“Tickets for the SPARKSsponsored school show sold out in 24 hours,” she said.

Mrs Johns also referred to a ‘relaxed’ performance of Seussical the Musical on Thursday, May 17.

She said the adjusted production was aimed at those who needed or preferred a more sensory-friendly experience.

People can buy tickets via Horsham Town Hall website horshamtownhall.com.au/ hthevent/seussical-the-musicalhac/

Carpal

Well you’ve either got it or had it or know someone who has. So what is it?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as described by the Mayo Clinic is when someone e xperiences numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand and it generally affects the thumb, index finger, second finger and sometimes the ring finger, but generally not the little finger. This can be experienced as sensation traveling from the wrist to the forearm, be aggravated by driving or maybe it wakes you at night and feel you have to shake out your hand.

So what do we as Chiropractors do? Well interestingly enough we look at your neck and right down your arm. This is because the nerves which start at the base of your neck go down your arm and work the muscles of your arm wrist and hand. We check with specific positioning of the neck if we can recreate your sensation. We also check your neck, shoulder, elbow and wrist for jammed and locked up areas which maybe aggravating the nerves or causing the muscles to be tight. Now not only can these locked up areas be causing the problem; it may also be locked up area in your upper back. This is because your neck muscles go down this far and tight upper back can also be restricting neck movement.

As a chiropractor we take into consideration that there are many factors which need addressing and work with our patients to get the best results. You may not need surgery.

Kayla Wilson as The Cat In The Hat in Horsham Arts Council’s Seussical the Musical.

GROOVING: Stephanie Wundke leads the ensemble through a dance routine at rehearsals.

PRACTICE: Esther Fry takes the lead during a full-dress rehearsal on Monday.

HATS OFF: Horsham

Performances May 4 to May 14

Saturday, May 20, 7.30pm

Music of the Night

Saturday, May 27, 8pm

LEAVING JACKSON – The Johnny Cash & June Carter Show

Friday, June 2, 7.30pm

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow

Wednesday, May 24, 7.30pm

Friday, May 26, 7.30pm

Scan here to find out what’s on

Arts Council’s Seussical the Musical cast and crew graced the stage at Horsham Town Hall for a dress rehearsal on Monday evening, ahead of opening night tomorrow. Pictured, clockwise from above, are: Serena Johns, Brittany Bates, Sienna Walsgott, Alayna Toporzsek, Rebekah Wundke, Kayla Wilson and Chloe Findlay; Rebekah Wundke, Nate Curran, Joel Mock and Bethany Arnup; Harriet Overman and Jed Prouse; Mark Deckert; Isaac Arnold; and Kayla Wilson and Ebony Hart. HORSHAM

Monday, June 12, 7.30pm

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298 Campus 38 Baillie St Horsham 3400

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Horsham Primary School

At Horsham Primary School, we feel that we have the balance just right. Our teaching and learning programs focus on achieving academic excellence, are flexible to meet the needs of all students, and intensive to ensure high level results are achieved.

Our student support programs develop the skills and abilities of each child whilst catering for their needs beyond the classroom.

Our staff are passionate, hard-working and committed to making a difference in the lives of our students.

We know that each of our students have different abilities and experiences that they bring with them, as well as varying levels of readiness to learn. Something that our school is proud of is the level of support that we provide for all students.

Learning and Student Support Approaches

Teaching and Learning

• CAFE Reading

• Jolly Phonics

• Investigations - learning through exploration & play (Prep)

• 6 plus 1 Traits of Writing

• Maths Intervention Program

• Levelled Literacy Support

• Speech Therapy Program

• Fluid Maths Groups

• Specialist Programs

o Art

o Science and Technology

o PE

o Music

o AUSLAN

• Year 4-6 iPad Program

Student Leadership opportunities

• School Captains

• House Captains

• Junior School Council

• Student Leadership Program

Student Support

• Student Mentoring

• Student Wellbeing Support officer

• Breakfast & Milo Mornings

• Buddy Program

• Cultural Program Extracurricular

• Halls Gap Zoo Trip

• Roses Gap Camp

• Sovereign Hill Trip

• Warrnambool Camp

• Melbourne Urban Camp

• Regional and State sporting events

• School Production

• Junior Concert

• Cultural Activities

• Signing Choir

• Singing Choir

• School Band

• Swimming Program

Community Involvement

• Parent Classroom Helpers

• Parents Club

• School Council

Horsham West 24 Hillary St Horsham 3400

Ph (03) 5382 1285

Haven Campus 4362 Henty Hwy Haven 3401

Ph (03) 5382 3204

horsham.west.ps@education.vic.gov.au

Horsham West and Haven Primary School

At Horsham West and Haven Primary School, we recognise that each individual child has unique interests and talents. We are very fortunate to have wonderful staff who strive to provide breadth of experience, allowing students to pursue curiosities and expand their knowledge.

Our school provides a comprehensive sporting program, with school teams often competing in state finals.

Science and Technology have been key focus areas in the last four years. These subjects now complement exemplary Visual Arts and Performing Arts programs. We provide opportunities for every student to achieve their personal best in a safe and inclusive environment.

Learning and Student Support Approaches

Teaching and Learning

• Systematic Synthetic Phonics

• Explicit Direct Instruction

• Structured Literacy

• Literacy and Numeracy Intervention

• Writing Revolution

• Hands On Practical Numeracy Lessons

• Knowledge Based Concept Curriculum

• BYOD iPad Program Years 3-6

• Professional Learning Communities

• Speech Trained Assistance Program

• Resilience Rights and Respectful Relationships

Specialist Program

• Visual Arts

• Performing Arts

• Physical Education

• German

• Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Technology (STEAM)

Student Support

• Wellbeing Support Officer

• Behaviour Support Officer

• Assistant Principal – Student Wellbeing

Student Mentoring

• Buddy Program

• School Wide Positive Behaviour Program

• Hands On Learning

Student Leadership Opportunities

• School Captains

• House Captains

• Junior School Council

• Student Leadership Program

Extra-Curricular Activities

• Urban Camp Experience

• Adventure Camp Experience

• School Production

• Choir

• Group & Individual Music Lessons

• Cultural Activities

• Human Powered Vehicles

Lego Robotics

• Aero Schools

• Swimming Program

• Local, Regional and State Sporting Events

• Recorder

• School Band

• Excursions

• Incursions

• Parents Club Activities

Community Involvement

Parent Classroom Helpers

• Parents’ Club

• School Council

MOVING ON: Greg

and Anne Carroll have put their Ararat business Carrolls Saddlery on the market after 32 years. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

New horizons for Carrolls

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Carroll’s Saddlery, a fixture in Ararat’s Barkley Street, is for sale after 32 years of serving the community.

Owners Anne and Greg Carroll are moving on from the business they say became more like a lifestyle due to their passion for horses.

“We’ve been here for more than 30 years and loved every day,” Mrs Carroll said.

“People come in and they want to know things.

“We can give them advice on horse feed, first-aid for their horses

or what saddlery they need if they are buying their first horse.”

Mrs Carroll said the saddlery supplied people throughout the state and beyond.

“We don’t just service Ararat. We get people from Portland, Mt Gambier and Shepparton, to name a few places. Our location on the highway is convenient,” she said.

“People will jump in their car, hitch the horse float up and realise they might have forgotten something, on the way to buy a horse or with their horse – they know they can come here.”

Mrs Carroll said she hoped the

new owners would share her passion for horses.

“As a lifestyle business, the shop is perfect for someone with their own horses or stable,” she said.

“Each day you turn up at work, it’s like coming home.”

The business is set-up with three streams of income – stock feed, clothing and boots, as well as saddlery.

Mrs Carroll said the design allowed the shop to showcase seasonal trends.

“It’s been a very regular stream of income and the people who come in are lovely,” she said.

CFA hosts burns camp

Country Fire Authority members across 17 brigades gathered in Little Desert last month for a three-day burn camp.

The meeting taught firefighters about fire behaviour, weather impacts on burns, fuel types, lighting patterns and allowed members to experience live fire training in a safe and controlled environment.

CFA project co-ordinator of vegetation management, Ian Morrison, said crews worked on three burns amounting to 9.1 hectares in area.

“We were joined by members of University of Melbourne to take scientific observations on our grassland burning, fire behaviour and fire intensity,” he said.

“It was a great opportunity to get together and share knowledge across the entire group.

“Organised burn camps have been a successful part of CFAs fuel management plans for more than a decade.”

“We enjoy exposing our members to practical sessions to help improve their skills, knowledge and connections across the CFA.”

‘Shadow Beings’

“We have so much fun talking to people about their horses.”

In the past, the building has housed a blacksmith and wheelwright – a craftsman who builds or repairs wooden wheels. This history is preserved in the original roofing of the building.

“So many people come into this shop and look around in awe and say, ‘I haven’t been in a shop like this since I was a kid’. We’ve tried to maintain that aspect of it,” Mrs Carroll said.

“This building just suits the business down to the ground.”

Ararat-based artist Juana Beltran is encouraging people to consider their own reflection. Spanish-born Beltran’s exhibition, ‘Shadow Beings’, a ‘transformative reflection’ of time spent in the Australian desert, is on display at Horsham Regional Art Gallery until June 18.

Beltran said the exhibition’s human-like figures projected shadows that represented a reflection of our ‘other selves’, along with her connection to the desert and the land.

“Without realising what I was experiencing in the desert, I was dealing with my own shadow side. That part of us that deeply expresses or come sometimes by surprise, because you can never anticipate how you will feel,” she said.

The gallery, in Wilson Street, is open daily from 10am to 4pm.

Horsham Golf Club

Mother’s Day High Tea Lunch

Come Join us for our Mother’s Day High Tea Lunch!

DATE: May 14, 2023

TIME: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

LOCATION: Horsham Golf Club

304 Golf Course Rd, Haven

COSTS:

$55 per person

$25 for children under 15 children under 5 free Bookings are essential.

Available seating times are between 11 am & 12:30 pm

- Includes food, flowers for mums & glass of champagne/mimosa* on arrival.

*Can change champagne to a schooner of beer or cider

Live music with Mark Block from 11 am

www.horshamgolfclub.com.au

Hindmarsh chief to farewell role

Hindmarsh Shire Council’s chief will step away from the role when his contract expires in October.

Greg Wood notified the council of his intention not to seek a further extension to his contract past October 15, 2023.

He has served seven years in the role, arriving to the council in September 2016.

He was most recently reappointed with a twoyear term in 2021.

Mr Wood highlighted achievements during his tenure including upgrades to caravan parks such as new amenities for Rainbow Caravan Park, upgraded amenities at Nhill Caravan Park, an all-abilities bathroom at Dimboola Caravan Park, construction of cabins at all caravan parks and adoption of a Rainbow Caravan Park Master Plan; funding and commencement of Wimmera River Discovery Trail; and the Dimboola Civic Hub and Visitor Node, including associated landscaping and construction of new amenities.

Extension of the Silo Art Trail into the shire, with the completion of the Albacutya and Arkona silos, has also occurred during this time.

The Llew Schilling Silo project at Rainbow, an ‘exciting variation’ to the Silo Art projects completed to date, has secured funding and works have commenced – including a viewing deck at the top of the silo.

Mr Wood also listed Jeparit Swimming Hole precinct upgrades, including the construction of a new retaining wall and decking, installation of a new camp kitchen, new amenities and associated landscaping; construction of skate parks in Dimboola, Nhill and Rainbow; and female-friendly change rooms at Dimboola and Rainbow among highlights.

He said it was pleasing to undertake road infrastructure projects such as the construction

of the dual-lane Albacutya Bridge, replacing a single lane, no longer fit-for-purpose bridge, and extensive works to widen and upgrade the strategic freight routes of Nhill Rainbow Road and Antwerp Woorak Road.

The council has also established Hindmarsh Shire Libraries, including new and updated library spaces in each of the four towns; and implemented requirements of the Local Government Act 2020, including stronger governance and procurement practices.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank the hard-working staff and councillors at Hindmarsh shire for their support,” Mr Wood said.

“Hindmarsh has a lot to offer for community members and visitors, and current projects will further attract people to our region.”

The council will begin recruitment for a new chief executive soon.

Mayor Brett Ireland said the council respectfully accepted Mr Wood’s decision.

“I am sure I can speak on behalf of all councillors, in saying that, in the seven years under Mr Wood’s tenure, the shire is indebted for the wealth of local government expertise he has displayed, the strong financial position in which he is leaving our shire, and his list of infrastructure achievements,” Cr Ireland said.

“Mr Wood, along with his staff, have pursued many grants for our communities and have put the many policies in place now required under the Local Government Act 2020.

“One of these has been used as a statewide example of a good procurement policy. I believe Mr Wood has always had the interests of our community at the forefront in making decisions.

“I personally wish Mr Wood the very best in his future endeavours and believe he will be an asset to any organisation that employs his services.”

Schedule:

On the day registrations - 8am

Formalities commence - 8:45 am

On Sunday, May 14th at the Horsham Soundshell join us for a 5km walk or run to support the 1 in 7 women diagnosed with breast cancer. Also on the day: BBQ Breakfast Facepainting

Walk / run begins - 9am

Event concludes - 10:30 am

*Cash only for raffles and other entertainment

We will also be announcing the Winner of the Workplace Warriors Shield

Online registrations until Friday 12th of May, all Online registrations go in the draw to win a Pink Caviar necklace from Mackays Family Jewellers

Dogs are allowed at this event, must be kept on lead. Parking available along Hocking Street and Firebrace Street.

www.mothersdayclassic.com.au/vic-horsham

Yarriambiack finalists

AYarriambiack Shire Council project and staff member are finalists in LGPro excellence awards.

The LGPro Awards for Excellence promote and celebrate the outstanding work individuals and teams undertake and deliver while working in local government in Victoria.

The Hopetoun power house project was nominated as a finalist in the outstanding small rural council initiative category.

Hopetoun’s Powerhouse Arts Studio is a unique studio and exhibition space combined with modern accommodation.

Originally opened in 1913 as Hopetoun’s power supply, the power house’s new life as an art studio provides artists with a versatile space in a rural setting.

The studio space has been used for community art classes and events since its opening in April 2022.

The council’s chief executive Tammy Smith said with limited short-term

–

rental accommodation available in the region, Powerhouse Arts Studio allowed artists to stay locally and immerse themselves in the community.

“The power house project highlights the innovative ways rural communities solve problems such as accommodation shortages, while creating unique visitor experiences for visiting artists,” she said.

“It also provides a diverse arts and culture offering to local residents who may not have the opportunity to participate and engage with art out of the region.”

The council’s project co-ordinator Rebecca Botheras was nominated for the young achiever’s category.

She is responsible for the oversight

and leadership of major infrastructure projects across the shire and played a pivotal role in the planning and delivery of modular changerooms at Beulah Recreation Reserve, a netball and tennis court redevelopment at Brim, netball and tennis courts and modular changerooms at Rupanyup and master planning projects at Anzac Park in Warracknabeal and Murtoa Recreation Reserve.

“Rebecca is a proactive and passionate team member who goes above and beyond in her role to ensure our sport and recreation projects are completed on time and meet the needs of our communities,” Ms Smith said.

“Her attention to detail and project management skills are exceptional.

“Rebecca’s projects are inclusive and are assisting council to future-proof sport and recreation opportunities in our communities. She is an incredible asset to not only council, but our region.”

Award winners will be announced at a ceremony in Melbourne on May 25.

Support to preserve, manage collections

Community organisations can apply for cash help as part of a heritage grants initiative.

The Community Heritage Grants program, CHG, offers grants of up to $20,000 to support organisations to preserve and manage collections with cultural and historical significance.

Spokesperson Fiona Clarke invited historical societies, regional museums, archives and galleries – including Indigenous and multicultural organisations – to apply.

She said the grants enabled groups

to work with consultants to undertake significance assessments and preservation needs assessments and, based on these reports, deliver preservation and conservation, collection management, and digitisation activities. Funding is also available for training workshops.

“Our message to new applicants is that the most competitive applications are those that are well planned and convey the strengths of their collection and commitment of their organisation. We encourage applicants to read the guidelines and then speak to our CHG

team at an early stage about their proposal,” Ms Clarke said.

The program has provided more than $8.4 million to more than 1600 projects nationally since 1994.

Almost 60 groups shared more than $420,000 last year.

General applications close at midnight on Monday, May 8. Previous CHG program recipients have an extended deadline, with applications closing on Thursday, June 1. People wanting more information, or to apply, can go to nla.gov.au/chg

TIMELY: Yandilla nurse unit manager Michelle Coutts and Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation director David Johns with one of the new birthing beds.

Foundation delivers

Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation is supporting Grampians Health Horsham to deliver upgraded birthing beds to its Yandilla maternity unit.

Yandilla nurse unit manager and midwife Michelle Coutts said the $60,000 upgrade was invaluable to the birthing unit.

She said the previous beds had been in use for about a decade.

“The new beds are fully electronic with a retractable foot section that removes the occupational health and safety risk associated with the previous beds,” she said.

“Before we got these beds, you had to manually remove the foot end of the bed for birthing and post birth procedures.”

Grampians Health deputy chief Carolyn Robertson said the dona-

tion was timely and the latest of many contributions the foundation had made to its Horsham and Dimboola locations.

“We currently have a birth rate of about 300 babies a year at Horsham and it is in the strategic plan to grow that number significantly,” Ms Robertson said.

“We have been increasing our maternity services and adopting a new model of care.

“We hope to grow the service to provide for up to 400 or more women to birth at Horsham each year.”

In recent efforts to support birthing families, a maternity outpatients clinic was opened in McPherson Street in Horsham late last year and a full-time lactation service introduced.

*Wallaby

*Heritage Red

*Heritage Green

“Rebecca’s projects are inclusive and are assisting council to future-proof sport and recreation opportunities in our communities”

Tammy Smith

What’sup junior!

Rural Northwest Health operates a Junior Assistant Environmental Services staffing group at both Warracknabeal and Hopetoun campuses to support the delivery of cleaning, catering and laundry services across aged and acute care. The cohort is largely comprised of secondary students 15 years of age and over, including an occasional gap year school leaver. Team members work three hour shifts across late afternoon and early evenings on weeknights and weekends where possible.

Environmental Services Manager, Trent Crisp notes that the assistant team alleviates much of the difficulties involved in maintaining a senior roster across evening meal sessions in a time of significant recruitment challenges.

Senior staff are on hand to assist with supervision and task direction with minimal training requirements.

Yarriambiack Lodge Nurse Unit Manager, Allison Hondow has a very positive outlook on the contribution of junior staff in the environmental team. "Having the junior environmental team members involved in the care of our residents provides them with the opportunity to learn new skills, have meaningful engagement and foster friendships. Our residents relish seeing our junior team members reach their milestones and always report back about how respectful and polite they are to everyone. It is refreshing to see such a great bunch of younger people come into our facility and actively care about their community and our residents," Allison said.

The junior assistants are extremely popular with residents and patients eagerly awaiting the arrival of their young friends. Camaraderie is returned in equal measure by the teens, having worked together as environmental assistants for more than 12 months, Maggie, Aylah and Angus unanimously agree the best part of their work at RNH is the interaction with residents and patients. Maggie states that hands-on duties and locations are shared amongst the team so that everyone is able to enjoy equal face-to-face time. It is another great program managed well by the Warracknabeal and Hopetoun campuses.

ANZAC Memories

Gen has vivid memories of her mother (Robin Kitson) who lived in Snowtown South Australia, and was engaged to a solider who never turned up for his leave during WWI – he just wrote her letters. “His name was George Klinger and he came from Mortlake in Victoria. He was killed in action and buried in Paris. ”

My mother wrote a moving poem about duty, love and loss in wartime. Sometime after, she married my father, who told her to bring the large photo of George with her to hang in their house, where it stayed on the wall until both my parents had passed. After my parents left us, I wrote to the council in Mortlake looking for any relatives of George. I wanted to return the photo to a member of his family as a mark of respect. Eventually I got in touch with someone, but as yet they haven't had leave to come and collect it. So my son is holding onto it for now in the hope George's photo will be reunited with his family in the future," Gen reminisced.

Above: Gen Seipolt, 95

Below: George Klinger, Mortlake

Graduate nursing program

ever in a post COVID workforce

Rural Northwest Health offers a Graduate Nurse program to grow individual and organisational capacity.

Manique Cox and Rachael James were both able to advance their careers by completing their Registered Nurse training through the Rural Northwest Health Graduate Nurse program and the support of their managers. Reflecting on the program, Clinical Support Nurses, Doug Matheson and Sarah Gavan identified leadership, skill development and opportunities for rotations across the sector as significant benefits of the program offered at RNH. Generally, graduates are able to work across aged and acute care equally. Doug is available to provide formal debriefing sessions as well as informal connections made via daily contact.

Manique Cox commenced her career at Rural Northwest Health as a PCA in 2016, whilst training as an Enrolled Nurse in Ballarat. Feeling driven to contribute at another level was the impetus for Manique to apply for the Graduate Nurse program.

Manique will be involved in rotations, including a stint in acute care in Nhill and will also be looking to become involved in community nursing. With an interest in a holistic approach extending beyond the Western norm of care, Manique has an ambition for additional training that may include a Masters in Public Health, team leadership, nutrition and prevention.

Image: Manique Cox and Rachael James

Manique enthusiastically recommends RNH's Graduate Nursing program, particularly with an ongoing shortage of on site medical professionals in rural and remote regions. Rachael James applied for a Diploma of Nursing placement in acute care. Moving from Melbourne where few rotations were available, Rachael commenced at Yarriambiack Lodge. The decision to apply for the RNH Graduate Nursing program was a considered career move with the nursing placement as an ideal grounding. The support of her managers and other staff stand out as factors positively influencing Rachael's journey towards the initial goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. Rachael is keen to pursue further study and plans to remain in the country, having already recommended RNH's Graduate Nurse program to colleagues.

Debutantes dance for Yarriambiack Lodge residents and staff

Debutantes from Warracknabeal Secondary College delighted residents and staff of Yarriambiack Lodge with a selection of dances from their recent Deb Ball. Dressed in their beautiful white gowns, the girls evoked many memories for residents, of weddings and dances long past. Traditional reels accompanied by fresh modern songs gave a contemporary mix to the performance. Barbara Dickie gave a standing ovation at the finale, thanking the Debutantes for coming out and entertaining us all.

is more vital than

Keedie Wardle, left, and Aylah Zanker, right, Junior Assistant Environmental Service Staff

Help to understand the law

Local neighbourhood houses in partnership with Ballarat and Grampians Community Legal Services in Horsham, Stawell and Ararat will host a free legal educational event entitled, ‘Future Life Planning’, later this month.

Ballarat and Grampians Community Legal Service lawyer Adrian Tinetti will host the sessions as part of Law Week.

Law Week runs from May 15 to 21 and involves more than 150 events and activities to help people understand the law – including their rights, how they can get help with legal problems and how our legal system works.

Law Aid is managed by Victoria Law Foundation, with events and activities run by a range of organisations – including community legal centres, government bodies, community organisations, law firms, courts and tribunals.

Events are being run across the state and some can be viewed online at viclawweek.org.au

Wimmera Future Life Planning events will be at Horsham Neighbourhood House, in Robin Street, on Thursday, May 18 from 1.30pm to 2.30pm; Stawell Neighbourhood House, in Sloane Street, on Friday, May 19 from 10.30am to 11.45am; and Ararat Neighbourhood House, in Campbell Street, on Friday, May 19 from 1.30pm to 2.45pm.

Mr Tinetti will focus on how to prepare important legal documents including wills and powers of attorney, and medical treatment decision-maker appointments.

it’s THE LAW

Each of these documents have their own role and are incredibly important.

Wills

A will is a written document that sets out what you want to happen to your property after you die. It gives instructions for the person distributing your property about how this is to happen.

Power of attorney

A power of attorney is a legal document that lets you appoint someone to make decisions about personal matters, such as where you live; or financial matters, such as paying bills – or both.

Medical treatment

You can choose who has legal authority to make medical treatment decisions for you if you experience an injury or illness that means you are unable to make decisions – either temporarily or permanently – in a document called a ‘medical treatment decision-maker’.

Future Life Planning events are free and might be incredibly helpful to you if you are interested in receiving more information about these documents.

People with questions about this event can contact Charlie Helyar by emailing hello@horshamnh.com.au or phone 5382 5352. If you are ready to execute any of the above documents, you might

OPPORTUNITY: Ballarat and Grampians Community Legal Service lawyer Adrian Tinetti will host a free legal educational event in Horsham, Stawell and Ararat this month.

also wish to speak to your solicitor who will be able to discuss your individual circumstances and possible options for you.

• This article is intended to be used as a guide only. It is not, and is not intended to be, advice on any specific matter. Neither Patrick nor

Threatened frog species identified

A threatened species of frog has been identified in a new location in West Wimmera shire.

Forest Fire Management Victoria staff at Edenhope discovered hundreds of growling grass frogs, Litoria raniformis, while carrying out routine slashing works near Apsley.

Growling grass frogs are a threatened species listed as vulnerable under both the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act and Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

The discovery near Apsley is a new location for the species, with the most recent record of the growling grass frog identified 14 kilometres away in 2013.

Grampians Natural Environment program manager Pauline Rudolph said it was great work by the Edenhope crew to find and help identify the growling grass frog.

“Due to the suitable weather conditions, there might be more of these frogs out there waiting to be discovered, so we ask everyone to please keep an eye out for them,” she said.

“It’s important we know where this vulnerable species is located so that we can monitor and protect them, as their population has suffered a substantial decline in recent decades.”

When the weather cools, the species becomes largely inactive and will shelter under rocks, logs, thick vegetation or in crevices.

All slashing works have been paused while the species is active and further investigations are undertaken.

People who find any frogs are advised not to touch or handle them.

O’Brien and Smith Lawyers accept responsibility for any acts or omissions resulting from reliance upon the content of this article. Before acting on the basis of any material in this article, we recommend that you consult your lawyer.

For people who think they may have found a growling grass frog or other species of frog, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Actions recommends recording sightings on an app such as Frog ID – frogid.net.au

The department recommends taking a photo and recording the location as well as a sound recording if the frog is calling. This information will help to confirm the species and minimise the disturbance to frogs and their habitat.

with Patrick Smith, LL.B. (Hons) B. Int. St., B.Ec., GDLP

SHOP AT THESE PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES

Ararat Auto & Ag

Ararat RSL

Ararat Tyrepower

Barbeques Galore Horsham

BJ’s Furniture and Bedding

Capital Horsham

Casey Kosch First Aid Training

Cellarbrations Superstore

Chris N Di’s Bakery

Clarks Furniture

Conways

Cooks of Horsham

DMD Horsham

Dollar Curtains & Blinds Ararat

Exchange Hotel Horsham

Goldstar Self Storage

Harvey Norman Ararat

Harvey Norman Horsham Superstore

Ferrers Tyrepower

Ararat Hotel Cafe Bistro

Hermans of Horsham

Horsham Amcal Pharmacy

Horsham Aquatic Centre

Horsham Auto Glass

Horsham Betta Home Living

Horsham Golf Club

Horsham Lanes and Games

Horsham Sports & Community Club

DMD Nhill

Horsham Town Hall

House & Party Stawell

Lardner Bros Ararat

Nhill Pharmacy

Oscar Care Horsham

Royal Hotel Horsham

Simply Skin Body

Smallaire

Snap Fitness Horsham

Spotlight Horsham

Stawell Lotto

Stawell Toyota

Wastebusters Wimmera Recycling

Horsham

Westonvic Waste

Westvic Spares

Wimmera Aquatrail

Wimmera Bearings

Wimmera Mallee Ag

Wimmera Outdoors

Wimmera Trophies & Gifts

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A WHOLE YEAR OF BRAGGING RIGHTS WITH TWO TICKETS TO EACH OF AUSTRALIA’S GREATEST SPORTING EVENTS.

Mercedes-Benz has detailed its second-generation GLC SUV for Australia.

The popular family hauler will offer more standard equipment than before, alongside a refreshed look that adds new body-coloured wheel arch mouldings, tapered aluminium running boards with rubberised studs, 20-inch AMG bi-colour wheels, and larger front brake rotors to the already well-specified package.

Inside, the GLC features a ‘radical overhaul’ that emulates the recently updated C-Class, banishing almost all of the vehicle’s hard buttons in favour of a portrait-oriented display screen that controls most of the vehicle’s functions.

Mercedes-Benz says the screen is

set within an ‘elegant, streamlined environment that emphasises the quality of the materials and workmanship surrounding it’.

The more minimalist cockpit ambience is beset with high-quality materials including woodgrain garnishing across the dashboard, an elegant piano black finish for the centre console and inductive smartphone integration and charging as standard.

Further, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic now offers as standard much of the equipment found previously in option packages, including a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, electric front seat adjustment with memory function and heating, and AMG Line exterior and interior enhancements.

Refresh

Popular family

Mercedes-Benz’s new ‘transparent bonnet’ camera feature is also included as standard.

The X254-series GLC-Class features a 48-volt electric system and secondgeneration integrated starter-generator, ISG, to support the turbocharged petrol unit at lower engine speeds, and includes gliding, boost and recuperation modes to enable what Mercedes-Benz says are ‘significant fuel savings’ of about 0.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

The improved ISG is said to provide an additional 17kW and 200Nm to the GLC’s standard output and can recuperate electrical outputs at a higher rate than a comparable belt-driven starter generator. It also enables the engine to ‘start quickly and quietly’,

making the vehicle’s idle-stop functionality ‘even more imperceptible’.

The combination of this system with Mercedes-Benz’s turbocharged fourcylinder petrol engine offers 190kW of power and 400Nm of torque, an overall improvement of 30Nm against the outgoing model. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a ninespeed automatic transmission.

Mercedes-Benz quotes a zero to 100kmh time of ‘about 6.2 seconds’.

Now longer than before, the new GLC measures 4716mm in length with an accompanying 15mm difference in wheelbase and wider wheel tracks front and rear. The vehicle is 4mm lower than before, but the width is unchanged at 1890mm.

The increases provide the SUV with

50 litres more cargo space, as well as more rear seat head, leg and elbow room, and more front and rear-seat shoulder room.

Optionally, the updated GLC SUV is available with two Manufaktur colour combinations, an alternative alloy wheel option, and a singular bundled option package dubbed ‘plus package’. The $6900 option adds MBUX augmented reality navigation, Guard 360 vehicle protection, Burmester 3D surround sound, additional driver assistance systems, digital light, adaptive high beam as well as noise and heat insulating acoustic glass.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic SUV is available from $104,900 plus on-road costs. It is scheduled to go on sale from June 1.

• Nissan to introduce a mid-grade X-Trail e-Power with e-4orce variant later this year — Page 35

hauler offers more space, mild hybrid power and freshened interior décor

Bigger, better SUV on radar

Mahindra

Automotive Australia is set to launch a new monocoque medium SUV called the XUV700 in June.

The launch comes just two months after the debut of the Indian brand’s all-new, medium-large, body-onframe SUV called Scorpio.

The relatively upmarket XUV700 is expected to be positioned as more of an urban alternative to the Scorpio, rather than a smaller and cheaper SUV.

Mahindra vice-president head of international operations Joydeep Moitra said the XUV700 was not a direct replacement for the Mahindra XUV500 that ended production two years ago, despite being only incrementally larger.

“It’s bigger and better in all respects than the XUV500, starting with the size of the vehicle to the engine, the entire performance aspect, the tech package, etcetera,” Mr Moitra said.

“The XUV700 will address the mainstream monocoque petrol segment – a more urban medium SUV for urban buyers. That will complete our line-up.”

Launched in India in August 2021, the broad XUV700 range spans

$25,515 to $47,692 in its home market compared with $23,779 to $44,652 for the Scorpio-N range. The top-spec six-seat Scorpio Z8L diesel 4WD retails for $44,990 driveaway in Australia.

Given its petrol-only positioning in Australia and New Zealand, a likely XUV700 flagship will be the threerow AX7 with luxury pack – the Indian price translating to $44,348, or about $44,500 driveaway in Australia.

More affordable XUV700 variants are likely to potentially include the two-row AX5 with 17-inch alloys, $35,758, and the steel-wheeled AX3, $33,234, though Mahindra Automotive Australia is yet to confirm the XUV700’s model line-up.

What it has confirmed is a powertrain – 2.0-litre direct-injection turbopetrol four-cylinder engine driving through the front wheels, likely with a six-speed automatic as standard.

Producing 147kW at 5000rpm and 380Nm from 1750-3000rpm, the XUV700 turbo-petrol automatic is capable of zero to 100kmh in about 9.5 seconds, placing it towards the middle of the mainstream medium SUV class.

Underpinning the XUV700 is fully independent suspension with frequen-

cy-selective dampers and four-wheel disc brakes, while available in-cabin technology includes dual 10.25-inch HD screens, built-in Amazon Alexa, Adrenox Connect, wireless Apple CarPlay-Android Auto, a 360-degree surround-view camera and a 12-speaker Sony 3D audio system.

Active-safety wise, the XUV700 is available with autonomous emergency braking, AEB, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lanekeep assist, traffic-sign recognition and adaptive cruise control – unlike the just-launched Scorpio.

Mahindra’s body-on-frame SUV will receive AEB and various other active-safety features as a model-year update some time before Australia’s February 2025 mandate for compulsory AEB fitment.

The monocoque-bodied XUV700 is uncannily similar in size to the separate-chassis Scorpio in all dimensions apart from height. Sharing its 2750mm wheelbase length with the Scorpio, the XUV700 is 33mm longer overall but 27mm narrower and 102mm lower.

Compared to its mainstream medium SUV competitor set, the XUV700 has a longer wheelbase than the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Mitsubishi Outlander-Nissan X-Trail, but falls five millimetres shy of the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage models.

In terms of the XUV700’s buyer profile, Mahindra expects to attract a very different demographic from the male-dominated Scorpio.

Aided by an expansion of Mahindra’s dealer network across Austral-

ia’s capital cities during the next 12 months, the brand will finally be accessible to most urban buyers.

Mahindra Automotive Australia’s national manager Ankit Taneja said the brand had done a lot of research around the buyers in each segment for both SUVs.

“We are looking at a younger, more urban, female-centric demographic as far as the XUV700 is concerned, while the Scorpio will be mostly males 40-plus, families with slightly older kids – that’s what we are looking for,” he said.

Like the Scorpio, the XUV700 will be supported by a seven-year, 150,000-kilometre factory warranty for private buyers, with capped-price servicing yet to be revealed.

– Nathan Ponchard

ST-L joins hybridised X-Trail range

Nissan has announced it will introduce a mid-grade variant to its X-Trail e-Power with e-4orce electrified all-wheel drive line-up, from the second half of this year.

The ST-L grade will join highly specified Ti and Ti-L variants within the petrol-electric hybrid portfolio, taking the total number of offerings available in the range to nine.

Priced from $49,490 plus on-road costs, the Nissan X-Trail ST-L ePower with e-4orce is $4700 cheaper than the current entry point into the electrified X-Trail line-up, and $3200 dearer than the petrol-powered and seven-seat ST-L all-wheel drive.

Offered exclusively in five-seat configuration, the newcomer will feature the same driveline as its high-grade counterpart with the equipment levels found in the petrol-powered equivalent.

The hybridised X-Trail range will vie directly with the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, forthcoming Honda CR-V e:HEV, and perhaps even the Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid, despite offering different technology to them all.

Unlike conventional hybrid systems, Nissan’s e-Power technology provides motive power by electric motors only, the petrol engine only used to charge

the battery or to power the inverter directly. Powering the X-Trail e-Power with e-4orce range is a 2.1kWh battery and sophisticated 106kW-250Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol generator with variable compression ratio, in combination with twin electric motors.

Total system power is listed at 157kW with a zero to 100kmh acceleration claim of seven seconds.

Fuel economy is rated at 6.1 litres

per 100km on the ADR combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 139 grams per kilometre when operated on 95 RON premium unleaded fuel, almost 30 percent more than the equivalent figure for a RAV4 hybrid that will also accept less expensive 91 RON fuel. Standard equipment includes active noise cancelling, acoustic vehicle alerting system, rear privacy glass, a self-dimming rear-view mirror, fog lights, a leather-accented steering

More range, faster charging for Volvo

Volvo Car Australia has announced new powertrains and longer range for its upgraded C40 and XC40 Recharge fully-electric SUVs. The upgrades attract price increases of between $3000 and $4500, depending on variant.

With larger battery capacities that will deliver longer range and faster charging capabilities, the duo will include rear and revised all-wheel drive options, making it the first time in a quarter of a century the Swedish marque has offered a rear-drive model.

In another first, the second-generation permanent magnet electric motor driving the rear axles of the C40 and XC40 Recharge are developed inhouse at Volvo Cars.

The new-rear wheel drive powertrain offers a single 175kW permanent magnet electric motor, providing a

three percent increase over the outgoing single-motor, front-wheel drive variant.

In the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, the same 69kWh battery pack is carried over, but with cooling enhancements can now deliver increased range of up to 460km, up from 425km.

For the single-motor C40 Recharge Pure Electric, range increases to 476km from 438km, while a 10 to 80 percent charge takes about 34 minutes using a 130kW DC fast charger.

Volvo Car Australia says its all-wheel drive variant also benefits from the updates, realising even more impressive range improvements. The outgoing model featured 150kW e-motors front and rear, which are replaced by a 183kW permanent magnet motor on the rear axle, and a new 117kW asynchronous electric motor on the

front axle. Combined outputs remain unchanged at 300kW and 660Nm. Standstill to 100kmh acceleration times are listed at 7.4 seconds for the single motor, and 4.9 seconds for the dual-motor.

Volvo says this new configuration, paired with an 82kWh battery pack and overall efficiency improvements in battery cooling, means the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Twin all-wheel drive can now drive up to 500km on a single charge – a 62km improvement.

The range of the C40 Recharge Pure Electric Twin all-wheel drive has improved up to 507km from 451km.

Charging power has improved as the larger battery pack allows for fast-charging at an updated top rate of 200kW DC, while a 10 to 80 percent charge takes about 28 minutes, a nineminute improvement.

wheel, eight-way powered driver’s seat, 40:20:40 split-fold and fore-aft sliding rear seats, heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, cargo area luggage boards, dual-zone climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, 360-degree camera technology, LED head and tail lights, auto folding, heated and powered wing mirrors, and dual USB ports front and rear.

Infotainment technology includes an eight-inch touchscreen interface and

six-speaker sound with DAB+ radio reception, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Safety equipment mirrors that in the petrol-powered X-Trail range.

The latest X-Trail scores a five-star Australasian New Car Assessment Program, ANCAP, safety rating.

Braked towing capacity for Nissan electrified X-Trail range is rated at 1650kg, or 350kg less than petrolpowered models.

Service pricing matches that of the standard X-Trail range, with intervals set at 12 months or 10,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Servicing costs are capped for six years and total $3051 for the period, or $5 more than a comparable petrol X-Trail.

Nissan Australia managing director Adam Paterson said Nissan’s e-Power technology had been well received by our customers.

“We’re excited to be able to offer this efficient, EV-like drive experience across even more of the X-Trail range,” he said.

“We’ve always said that e-Power needs to be driven to be believed, and the introduction of the X-Trail ST-L e-Power with e-4orce will give even more people the opportunity to do just that.”

Matt Brogan

IMPROVED: Volvo’s C40 and XC40 Recharge gain new powertrain options, improved range and

quicker charging.

COMPETITOR: Nissan will introduce a mid-grade X-Trail e-Power with e-4orce variant later this year.

Corolla Cross is up for anything as the urban adventure seeker. With an action inspired range of Toyota Genuine Accessories, your Corolla Cross can easily carry more, do more and be your perfect partner for outdoor activities and fun.

1. Wiccaphobia was a social norm in parts of Europe and the United States hundreds of years ago and even worries some people today. It is fear of what?

2. What brand of tea had its origins in a British supermarket chain, which had the same name?

3. True or false? Sharks are immune to cancer.

5. In what country do you find the semi-autonomous Indian Ocean archipelago of Zanzibar?

6. Argument between Australia and New Zealand continues to rage about the origin of what iconic dessert believed to be named after a famous Russian prima ballerina of the late 19th and early 20th centuries?

7. There are only three areas on the body where we do not grow hair. Where are they?

www.consortiumpw.com.au

ARIES:

(March 21- April 20)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 9.6.5.3.

Lotto Numbers: 9.6.12.25.40.33.

A period of great stability within the family and lots of happy periods coming up. Also a very good period for luck and hunches could be paying off.

TAURUS:

8. What is the common name for an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm, also known as a synchronous diaphragmatic flutter?

9. True or false? The peregrine falcon is the largest of the world’s falcons.

10. The Eucalyptus leucoxylon tree, native to parts of the Wimmera, is commonly known as what?

Answers: 1. Witches. The fear led to witchcraft becoming a capital offence and people found guilty were often executed, usually by burning. 2. Lipton. The brand is now owned by British-Dutch consumer company Unilever. 3. False. It’s a myth. Scientists have -docu mented cancerous tumours in more than 20 species of shark. 4. A beer. 5. Tanzania. 6. -Pav lova. Anna Pavlova was a principal artist of the Imperial Russian Ballet and was the first ballerina to tour the world, including Australia and New Zealand. 7. Palms of our hands, souls of our feet and our lips. 8. Hiccup. 9. False. The largest falcon is the gyrfalcon. The peregrine is the fastest. 10. Yellow gum. Weekdays from 6am

(April 21- May 20)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 5.9.6.2.

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.23.34.40.33. Lucky period in real estate dealings. Many will get their wishes coming true. Singles could find the love of their life and many long running love affairs could have their happy endings.

GEMINI:

(May 21- June 21)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 5.9.6.7.

Lotto Numbers: 8.15.24.40.39.7. Most will be feeling happier and more relaxed. New relationships could be happening to the eligible. Good time for socializing.

CANCER:

(June 22- July 22)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 7.9.6.2.

Lotto Numbers: 7.15.26.34.40.22. There should be some improvements in family life and maybe an increase in family size. Luck in games of chance are indicated.

LEO: (July 23- August 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 9.6.4.2.

Lotto Numbers: 9.15.26.34.40.45. There should be greater stability in your relationships with loved ones and gains in your emotional make up. More responsibility in your working environment and better returns for hard work.

VIRGO:

(August 23- September 23)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 9.6.4.2.

Lotto Numbers: 9.15.26.34.8.22. Moves or travel coming up soon. Could end up overseas, maybe even for longer periods at a time. Benefits through love and marriage and more security in personal matters indicated.

LIBRA:

(September 24- October 23)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 2.6.3.5.

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.39.9.11.

Time to get up and get going, so many new ideas and ventures coming up for you. You could take up studies again. Otherwise trying to improve yourself. Love and companionship will find the lonely.

SCORPIO:

(October 24- November 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 9.6.5.1.

   

Lotto Numbers: 9.12.26.34.40.45. Good news should be reaching you soon and you should soon be in the process of achieving your aims in life. You could be regaining contacts with people from long ago. Health should improve dramatically.

SAGITTARIUS:

  a For the week May 6 - May 12(November 23- December 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 4.6.5.2.

Lotto Numbers: 4.15.12.26.35.36.

Many will travel and broaden their horizons; this could change their outlook on life. Many of your present problems could now find solutions. Some good luck should be on its way soon.

CAPRICORN:

(December 21- January 19)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 4.6.2.3.

Lotto Numbers: 4.12.26.9.3.11.

Many will become interested in spiritual things during the next few months. Many will be in for material gains in many ways. Some, who thought they were past it could become involved in a torrid love affair.

AQUARIUS:

(January 20- February 19)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 9.6.4.2.

Lotto Numbers: 9.15.26.34.40.12.

You could see the return of an old friend and many could be re kindling old love affairs. You could be taking on some added responsibility, but this should also bring in added income into your budget.

PISCES:

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Friday

kuLkenS Visit KERRY KULKENS MAGIC SHOP at 1693 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave Ph/Fax 9754 4587 WWW.KERRYKULKENS.COM.AU Like us on Facebook www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

   

Racing Numbers: 5.9.6.2.

Lotto Numbers: 9.6.15.24.45.33. This should be one of the best times of the whole year and many of your wishes could come true now. Be careful with mechanical gadgets that are not new.

Sudoku

Fill in the blank cells using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and 3x3 block.

Quick Workout

Fit the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.

FOCUS

An All Australian Word Game

* Each word must contain the centre ‘Focus’ letter and each letter may be used only once

* Each word must be four letters or more

* Find at least one nine letter word

* No swear words

* No verb forms or plurals ending in ‘s’

* No proper nouns and no hyphenated words

TODAY’S Good: 9 words

FOCUS Very good: 16 words

Excellent: 35 words

Word Find

Join the Dots

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION adit aide aside dais DEFEATIST deist diet edit fetid fiat fiesta fist fisted fitted idea ideate said side sift sifted site sited staid stied tide tied

Reference: Macquarie Concise Dictionary

Focus No. 3872

What creature is this? Find out by joining the dots.

Crossword Solutions

Find the following words in the grid. They may read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.

Brought to you by NEIL MITCHELL

(PG) 1:30 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering (PG) 2:00 Shaun Micallef’s

MAD AS HELL (M l) 2:30 Back Roads 3:00

Escape From The City 4:00 Antiques

Roadshow 5:00 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG)

5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 (PG) 8:00 Foreign

Correspondent 8:30 Grand Designs New Zealand 9:20 Miriam & Alan - Lost In Scotland (M l) 10:05

Brush

With Fame (PG) 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00

The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Gardening Australia 8:30 Traces (M l) 9:15 Mayfair

Witches (M v) 10:10 Interview With The Vampire (MA15+) 11:15 ABC Late News

11:30 Aunty Donna’s Coffee Cafe (M l) 12:00

2:05 Ready, Jet, Go! 2:30 Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood 2:55 Circle Square 3:30 Play School 4:00 Andy’s Safari Adventures 4:25 Happy The Hoglet 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Interstellar Ella 6:05 Octonauts 6:30 Peter Rabbit 7:05 Grace’s Amazing Machines 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:00 QI (PG) 8:30 Penn And Teller: Fool Us (PG) 9:15 Documentary Now! (MA15+) 10:10 Hard Quiz

2:00

Mastermind Australia (PG) 3:00 NITV News: Nula 3:30 Delivery: The People, The Story (In Mandarin) 3:40 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:10 Scenic Coastal Walks With

Close To Me (M l,s) 12:50 Smother (M l,s)

9:30

1:00 Close Encounters Down Under (PG) 3:00 STIHL Timbersports (PG) 3:30 Pawn Stars South Africa

(PG) 4:00 Pawn Stars UK (PG) 4:30 Storage Wars (PG) 5:00 Storage Wars Texas (PG)

5:30 American Restoration (PG) 6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown 7:30 Movie: “Inferno”

(M l,v) (’16) Stars: Tom Hanks 10:05 Movie:

“Gravity” (M l,v) (’13) Stars: Sandra Bullock

2:05 Ready, Jet, Go! 2:30 Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood 2:55 Circle Square 3:30 Play School 4:00 Andy’s Safari Adventures 4:25 Happy The Hoglet 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Interstellar Ella 6:05 Octonauts 6:30 Peter Rabbit 7:05 Grace’s Amazing Machines 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Rush” (MA15+) (’13) Stars: Chris Hemsworth 10:30

5:00 6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 rage (PG) 10:30 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Traces (M l) 1:15 Capital (M s) 2:05 Grand Designs Revisited 2:50 Great Australian Stuff (PG) 3:50 Bluey 4:00

*Live* From Westminster Abbey 10:30 The Coronation Of King Charles III: Buckingham Palace Balcony *Live* 11:00 Ridley Road

(M v) 11:55 rage Guest Programmer (MA15+) 5:00 rage (MA15+) 12:30 STIHL Timbersports (PG)

1:00 Blokesworld (M) 1:30 Cool

Cars With Dermott And Elise (PG) 2:00 Night Thunder

12:00

Days Of Our Lives (PG) 12:55 The Young And The Restless (PG) 1:50 Britain’s Best Home Cook (PG) 3:00 One Star To Five Star (PG) 3:30 Movie: “The Iron Maiden” (PG) (’63) Stars: Anne Helm 5:30 Dr Quinn Medicine Woman (PG)

Antiques Roadshow 7:30 NRL: Sea Eagles v Broncos *Live* 9:55 NRL: Golden Point 10:30 Meet The Royals: When The Middletons Met The Monarchy (PG)

3:00 Rides Down Under (PG) 4:00 Last Stop Garage (PG) 4:30 Irish Pickers (PG) 5:30 Storage Wars (PG) 6:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 6:30 AFL: Pre Game 7:00 Movie: “The Karate Kid” (PG) (’10) Stars: Jaden Smith 9:50 Movie: “District 9” (MA15+) (’09) Stars: Sharlto Copley 2:05 Ready, Jet, Go! 2:30 Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood 3:00 The Most Magnificent Thing 3:30 Play School 4:00 Andy’s Baby Animals 4:25 Happy The Hoglet 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Kiri And Lou 6:05 Octonauts 6:30 Peter Rabbit 7:05 Grace’s Amazing Machines 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:00 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (PG) 8:20 Live At The Apollo (M l,s) 9:10 Documentary Now! (MA15+) 6:00 Sunrise 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show (PG) 12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Morphettville/ Gold Coast/ Gosford/ Sandown *Live* 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 AFL: Round 8: GWS v Western Bulldogs *Live* 10:30 AFL: Post Game 11:00 TBA 12:05 What The Killer Did Next (M v) 1:00 Home Shopping 6:00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) 7:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 8:00 Frasier (PG) 9:00 Becker (PG) 10:00 Friends (PG) 11:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 12:20 Frasier (PG) 12:45 TBA 1:35 TBA 3:20 TBA 4:30 The Coronation *Live* 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:15 Friends (PG) 12:15 Home Shopping 1:45 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) 2:45 Mom (M) 12:00 ABC News At Noon 12:30 ABC News Regional 1:00 ABC News 1:30 The Breakfast Couch 2:00 ABC News 2:30 The Pacific 3:00 ABC News 3:30 India Now 4:00 ABC News 5:00 The Coronation Of King Charles III *Live* From Westminster Abbey 10:30 The Coronation Of King Charles III - Buckingham Palace Balcony *Live* From Westminster Abbey 11:00 ABC Late News Weekend 6:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Today ExtraSaturday 12:00 Destination WA 12:30 The Pet Rescuers (PG) 1:00 Journey To South Africa (PG) 2:00 Lego Masters - Grand Masters (PG) 3:30 The Garden Gurus 4:00 Getaway (PG) 4:30 NINE News 5:00 The Coronation Begins *Live* From Westminster Abbey 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 The Coronation *Live* 8:00 The Coronation Ceremony *Live* 10:00 The Coronation Celebration *Live* 11:30 Meet The Royals: When Fergie Met The Monarchy/ When The Spencers Met The Monarchy (PG) 6:00 Home Shopping 9:00 Destination Dessert 10:00 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 12:00 Escape Fishing With ET 12:30 I Fish 1:00 Scorpion (PG) 2:00 A-Leagues All Access (PG) 2:30 Luxury Escapes 3:00 JAG (PG) 5:00 Escape Fishing With ET (PG) 5:30 Reel Action 6:00 JAG (PG) 7:00 Football: Elimination Final: Teams TBA *Live* From TBA 10:15 Seal Team (M) 11:10 Blue Bloods (M) 12:05 48 Hours (M) 1:00 Power Rangers Dino Fury (PG) 1:30 Pokemon: XYZ 2:00 Transformers: Cyberverse (PG) 2:10 Everybody Loves Raymond (PG) 2:40 Indycar Series Highlights 3:45 World Endurance Championship 4:55 Movie: “Smokey And The Bandit II” (M v) (’80) Stars: Burt Reynolds 7:00 Rugby Union: Super Rugby Pacific: Reds v Waratahs *Live* From Queensland Country Bank Stadium 6:00 Reel Action 6:30 Religious Programs 7:00 Freshly Picked 7:30 Escape Fishing With ET 8:00 Everyday Gourmet 8:30 What’s Up Down Under 9:00 Farm To Fork 9:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 10:00 Studio 10: Saturday 12:00 TBA 1:10 My Market Kitchen 1:30 Jamie Oliver: Together 2:40 Everyday Gourmet 3:00 What’s Up Down Under 3:30 My Market Kitchen 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 Ceremony Of The Coronation Of Their Majesties *Live* 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Ceremony Of The Coronation Of Their Majesties *Live* 11:30 Fire Country (M) 12:05 The Curse Of Oak Island (M v) 1:15 Jeopardy! 2:55 BBC News At Ten 3:25 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir 3:55 PBS News Hour 4:55 Mastermind 5:55 Monty Python’s Best Bits (Mostly) (PG) 6:30 RocKwiz Salutes The Legends (PG) 7:35 Impossible Engineering (PG) 8:35 Music Videos That Shaped The 80s (M l,n,s) 9:40 Cycling: Giro D’Italia: Stage 1 *Live* 1:35 WWE Legends (M d,v) 10:35 Movie: “The Story Of Gilbert And Sullivan” (G) (’53) Stars: Robert Morley 12:45 Movie: “Bonnie Prince Charlie” (G) (’48) Stars: David Niven 3:10 Movie: “Elizabeth Is Queen” (G) (’53) Stars: Leo Genn 4:30 Rugby Union: Super W: Grand Final: Teams TBA *Live* 7:00 NRL: Storm v Rabbitohs *Live* From Suncorp Stadium 9:35 Rugby Union: Post Match 10:05 Movie: “The Infiltrator” (MA15+) (’16) 5:00 Worldwatch 9:00 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom10:00 Britain’s Great Outdoors 11:00 The World From Above (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Gymnastics: Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup 4:00 The Lost Season (PG) 5:05 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 5:35 Walking Wartime England 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 TBA 11:30 Outlander (MA15+) 12:40 Germinal (M s,v) (In French) 1:45 The Pact (M) 3:25 Mastermind Australia (PG) 4:45 Bamay FRIDAY MAY 5 SATURDAY MAY 6 Classifications: (G) General, (PG) Parental Guidance, (M) Mature Audiences (MA15+) Mature Audience Over 15 Years, (d) drug references, (s) sexual references or sex scenes (h) horror, (l) language, (mp) medical procedures, (n) nudity, (v) violence Programming information correct at time of going to press, changes are at the network’s discretion Prepared by National Typesetting Services

Brush With Fame (PG) 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 (PG) 8:00

Australian Story 8:30 Four Corners 9:15

Media Watch (PG) 9:35 Q+A (PG) 4:00 Seven’s Motorsport Classic 4:30 Counting Cars (PG) 5:30 American Restoration (PG) 6:00 American Pickers (PG) 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Storage Wars (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Fury”

KLM owner Kevin Mackley is proud of his long-established business and achievements in concreting, paving, earthworks, soil yard and nursery including backhoes, excavators, bobcats, trucks and truck and trailer hire.

We do house slabs, grain shed floors,

ARGALL, Nev

Passed away 26th of April, 2023

Forever in our hearts and memories.

We had so many laughs and great times over the years.

You will never be forgotten.

Our love to Neicey, Lisa, Sam & Danny.

Lots of hugs from Col & Dave

Trine, Jase, Abbie, Charlie & Levi

Jase & Abbey

Alicia, Sil & Dae Gil

MARSHALL, Mary

12-4-1946 to 29-4-2023

It is with immense sorrow that we announce the passing of Mary Marshall on Saturday, April 29, 2023. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Mary is survived by her devoted husband, Ian Marshall, her children Gabrielle and Marc, her grandchildren Chris, Sarah, Nick, Ryan, and Dylan, and her great-grandchild Rex. Mary’s passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew her. We take solace in knowing that Mary is now in a better place and that her memory will live on in our hearts forever.

Rest in peace

Horsham & District

Funerals

GOODE, Estelle Cora

17.9.1929 – 28.4.2023

Passed away peacefully at Menzies Nursing Home, aged 93.

Loved Mother of Stuart (dec) and Judy.

Loved Nan of Sarah and Samantha.

Old Nanny of Zeke, Taite and Mila.

Horsham & District Funerals

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich

5382 1149 NFDA

HINNEBURG, Norman F Anzac Day

Special friend of John (dec), Lee & the Barber Families.

4 generations of friendship

Norm you will be greatly missed.

HOBBS (LANE), MERLYN ALICE

19/8/1934 – 24/4/2023

Passed away at Kurrajong lodge Horsham.

Devoted wife of Donald (dec). Dearly loved Mother & Mother In-law of Kerry & Geoff; Julie & Wayne; Stephen & Wendy; Wayne & Venetia.

Loved Grandma to Lee & Ross; Alana & Matt; Jordan & Maddie; Niketta, Tommy & Ruby, Saxon & Amelia; Judah, Liberty and Ulani.

Loved great grandma of Luke, Ava and Xavier.

Horsham & District Funerals

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149 NFDA

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich

5382 1149 NFDA

MENZEL, Margaret

The Dimboola & District Historical Society members are deeply saddened by the passing of their esteemed Treasurer of 18 years and best friend. Margaret, we shared your life and you were a huge part of ours.

Your work is done, rest easy.

MORAN, Glenda Margaret, nee Harris.

08/ 10/60 - 28/04/23.

Passed away after a year’s illness.

Wife of Jeff and Mother to Ellen and Eoin.

Loved daughter of Glen (dec) and Peg.

Sister of Lindsay, Bruce, Terry, Martin and Adam.

Will be missed by all who knew her.

SWABY, William “Leigh”

Passed away peacefully on April 20, 2023 aged 94 years.

Beloved husband of Loris (dec).

Loved father, grandfather and great grandfather of Mark & Sharon; Margaret; Clare & Robert; Joseph, Hannah & Dan, and Ivy. In God’s Care

death notices

PURBRICK (nee Ryan),

Kathleen Anne

12.08.1934 - 23.4.2023

Ararat & Lake Bolac.

Loved wife of Edwin (Ted) Purbrick (dec 1984).

Daughter of Micheal Edward Ryan (dec) & Kathleen Mary Callander (dec). Much loved sister & sister in-law of Monica, Archer (dec) & John (dec), Micheal Ryan & Liz, Sheila Davis & Charles, David Ryan (dec) and their families. A funeral was held.

REUNITED WITH TED We Miss You

RAJKOVIC (nee Dix), Yvonne Joy

9-11-1951 to 28-4-2023

Passed away at Portland Hospital.

Loved mother and mother-inlaw of Sally & Jason and Chris. Grandmother to Jaicob, Sophie, Blaire, Skye and Kyle, Justin.

Loving sister and sister-in-law of Ken & Colleen and Shirley.

Horsham & District

Funerals

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich

5382 1149 NFDA

RAJKOVIC, Yvonne

To our dearest mum/nanna

We wish you didn’t have to go but we know you were too unwell to stay, you fought so hard but now you are at rest.

We love you forever and beyond our precious mumma bear xx

Love now and always, Jason, Sally, Jaicob, Sophie, Blaire and Skye xxxxxx

SCHNEIDER (nee

Adler), Dorcas Wilma

Formerly of Murtoa

Passed away peacefully at Sunnyside Lutheran Retirement Village, Trinity Manor, Horsham on April 24, 2023 aged 86 years.

Dearly loved and devoted wife of Dennis (dec).

Much loved mum of Julie and Bruce, Roxanne, Jacqueline, Samuel and Campbell Spittle; Andrew (dec); Leonie and Julian, Carly, Hudson and Judd Rowell.

What wonderful memories you have left us all. Keep smiling!

death notices

SMITH, Coral Beverley

Passed away on April 25, 2023 aged 84 years.

Dearly loved wife of Ivan.

Loving mother and mother in law of Gary & Krystyna; Jillian (dec); Anthony & Roxanne; Leigh & Kylie.

Adored Grandma to Rowan & Amanda, Haydn & Elke; Sarah & Benny, Daniel, and Jayme; Ashlee, and Charlie. Great Grandma to Remi and Tommy.

In God’s Care Forever In Our Hearts

Funeral Notices

GOODE, Estelle Cora

The funeral service to farewell the late Estelle Goode will be held at St Andrews Uniting Church, Monday May 8th commencing at 10am. Interment to follow at Horsham Cemetery.

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich

5382 1149 NFDA

MARSHALL, Mary

Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mrs Mary Marshall will be held at Ss Michael & John’s Catholic Church, Horsham, Tuesday, May 9 commencing at 12.30pm. Interment to follow at the Horsham Lawn Cemetery. Rosary & Vigil Prayers will be held Monday evening.

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich

5382 1149 NFDA

MENZEL, Margaret Louise

27th September 1938- 25th April 2023

Passed away peacefully.

Margaret’ s Funeral Service

Will be held at the Dimboola Uniting Church

Friday 5th May at 10am Interment to follow Dimboola Cemetery

Dimboola & District Funerals 0419 008 464

funeral notices

RAJKOVIC (nee Dix), Yvonne Joy

The funeral service to farewell the late Ms Yvonne Joy Rajkovic will be held at Horsham and District Funerals Chapel, Monday, May 8 commencing at 1.30pm A private cremation will follow.

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich

5382 1149 NFDA

SCHNEIDER (nee Adler), Dorcas Wilma

A Memorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Dorcas Wilma Schneider will take place at St John’s Lutheran Church, Murtoa next Friday, 12th May 2023 commencing at 2pm Privately interred.

Murtoa Funerals

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5385 2833 AFDA Member

SMITH, Coral Beverley

The Funeral of Coral Beverley Smith will commence with burial at the Brimpaen Cemetery at 11.30am on Thursday, 4 May 2023 and will be followed by a Memorial Service at St John’s Anglican Church, Horsham at 2pm

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member SWABY,

William “Leigh”

The Funeral of Leigh Swaby will leave St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham on Friday, 5 May 2023 after a service commencing at 2pm for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

The service may also be viewed online at www.horsham. unitingchurch.org.au/watch

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

funeral notices

NEWMAN, Rodney Lance

A Funeral Service for Rodney Lance Newman

Will be held at the Dimboola Rowing Club

Monday 8th May at 1pm

Dimboola & District Funerals 0419 008 464

Thank you

Ed & Enid Schultz

Thank everyone for best wishes on the occasion of their 70th wedding anniversary.

Thank

you

~ CLARKE ~ Leonie

Fayisse and family sincerely thank everyone for their condolences and the kindness shown to us all on the passing of Leonie.

1 male Jack Russell X mini Foxie for sale, m/chip# 953010006017608, source# EE213320 Ph 5391 0224

1 male mastiff x bull mastiff puppy, microchipped, vaccinated, vet checked and wormed, born 22/11/2022, m/chip# 953010006382898, Source# EE185505, he is ready for his forever home please Ph 0481756063 10 Ring Neck parrots, assorted colours, 2 Rosella Parrots, 1 BHG seed $500 the lot Ph 0407821021 10wks old boy chihuahua, black in colour with few marks, ready to go now, vacc, chipped, wormed,mc # 953010006385194 $2500 Ph 0406048840

2 Jack Russell X Mini Foxie male pups for sale, mchip# 953010006017’608/665, source# EE213320 Ph 53910224

Beautiful Chihuahua puppies ready for new homes, Long hair 3F, 1M, source# EE206537, vacc, chipped, wormed m/chip# 935010006382689/ 953010006382681/953010006382737 Ph Rose 0400711481

In loving memory of Pete Campbell

24-03-1948 to 29-04-2022

From your loving wife Jano, Jacqui, Andrea and Ross.

Funeral

Life is tough and grim for countless members of our society, forced (or choosing) to live in their cars or on the streets. With renting crisis, unemployment, mental health issues and many other circumstances, numbers of “homeless” and “those in need” is exceeding all expectations.

It is easy to stand by and judge, but by doing so, we must then ask ourselves, if we truly understand.

What can we learn as a person (or community) from this dire situation? It isn’t going away. It is easy to believe that it has nothing to do with us, not our problem. But in Galatians 5:14. Christs new commandment says “Love your neighbour as yourself”. Don’t wait to feel loved before you give love to others. The wonderful organisations, groups and individuals who render support, assistance, food, clothing, placement and advocacy when possible are about to be inundated with calls for help.

Can we do anything to help?? The smallest acts of kindness, generosity, care and love can make an enormous impact on the lives of others. “To reinforce to another that they are cared about and important within our communities is enormous for their well being and morale”. This is our opportunity to “Shine the light of Christ” upon all. It’s as simple as, showing acceptance, empathy, understanding, compassion, discernment, sharing, provision (where able), support, love and prayer. Let’s not turn away, but step forward ……….

“Love Thy neighbour

No more and no less.

be someone making a difference for people in your community

Employment Opportunities

**Attractive salary packaging in addition to salary**

See our website for further information

We are seeking committed and passionate people who are ready for exciting and rewarding careers in our growing community health organisation

NDIS Plan Management Officer 38 hours per week

$34.47 to $38.43 per hour

Contact: Ruth-Cheryl Lennie

Co-Facilitator Men’s Behaviour Change Program

15.2 hours per week

$30.63 to $45.18 per hour

WIMMERA

- $63,121 per annum, plus allowances)

• Permanent Full-time 8 day working fortnight

Closing: 12pm Monday 22 May 2023

To download a position description and key selection criteria form visit our website: gch.org.au

Contact: Jenn Tumney For

Assistant Manager - Rural Agricultural

Merchandise Sales – Horsham (full time)

DMD are seeking an Assistant Manager for their Merchandise Dept. The successful applicant will be responsible for driving sales, servicing rural clients and attending to day-to-day operations.

DMD are members of AIRR - Australian Independent Rural Retailers & Tuckers Buying Group.

Key responsibility will include general stock & inventory duties

Motor Vehicle License Required

Good Knowledge of Rural Products

Good Computer Skills

Be Self Motivated with a Great Work Ethic Strong commitment to customer service and confident to communicate well with all customers Work Effectively alone or as a part of a team

Applications to Sally Ison SallyIson@dmdagents.com.au

POSITION AVAILABLE

Goroke P-12 College is currently seeking a Student Wellbeing Officer Education Support staff person to join our team in semester 2 2023. This position can be found on Recruitment Online by searching for Goroke P-12 College.

This is a full time, fixed term position for 12 months and the successful applicant will support the wellbeing development and growth of students within our college.

Applicants preferring to work at a reduced time fraction are also encouraged to apply. Work times can be negotiated.

For more information contact Kylie Smith on 5386 1024 or kylie.smith@education.vic.gov.au

Goroke P-12 College is a Child Safe School

Catalogue

Cleaner

The Riverside Holiday Park in Dimboola is a booming caravan park situated in a picturesque location, nestled under beautiful river gums alongside the Wimmera River. We are seeking a self-motivated person to clean the accommodation facilities, amenities blocks and undertake laundry duties at the park.

This position would suit someone looking to take on work during school hours with some weekends. We are seeking someone who is organised, has the ability to work independently to a high standard, and who enjoys contributing to a team and the community through their work.

Council is an equal opportunity workplace that offers a diverse and supportive work environment.

Please contact Aiden Dent, Team Leader Facilities, on 03 5391 4444 for enquiries. Applications close Wednesday 17 May 2023 at 12 noon and must address the key selection criteria as contained in the position description and application form.

Position descriptions and details of how to apply are available at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/work-in-council.

GUARD:

Minyip-Murtoa key position player Tanner Smith eludes Wimmera league 2022 Toohey

Medallist Kieran Delahunty.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

TACKLE: Minyip-Murtoa’s Lachie Jordan tackles Giants’ Josh Webster.

FOCUS: Rupanyup’s Alby Kingston pounces on the ball.

FORM: Southern Mallee Giants recruit Billy Lloyd.

ON THE RUN: Swifts coach Scott Carey and Rupanyup’s Ty Maher chase the ball at North Park.

CLASH: Minyip-Murtoa goal-keeper Ruby Wilson intercepts the ball ahead of Southern Mallee Giants’ shooter Stephanie Riggall.

REACH: Minyip-Murtoa defender Alexandra Hanson guards Giants’ Steph Thomson.

SENT: Swifts’ Jesse Galea-Portelli gets a kick away.

Tight at top in Mininera

Woorndoo-Mortlake will face Hawkesdale-Macarthur in a battle between two potential finals contenders in this weekend’s Mininera and District league senior football action.

Woorndoo-Mortlake is coming off two very different games to be sitting in fourth. In round two, Wickliffe-Lake Bolac showed some early season promise to beat the Tigers, before they saw off Caramut last game.

The visiting HawkesdaleMacarthur squad is hoping to bounce back from a close loss against Glenthompson-Dunkeld in the previous round, that leaves them seventh.

Eagles senior co-coach Josh Reichman placed special emphasis on the weekend’s fixture as an early finals decider.

“I think it’s going to be a pretty tight race for finals. These 50-50 games are really important,” he said.

Reichman said his team had already lost two close encounters and was wanting to bounce back in round four.

“We started last week slowly before kicking into gear in the second

Horsham Demons sitting in third

Horsham Demons women’s team suffered its first loss for the Western Victoria Female Football League season after a tough game against South Warrnambool.

quarter,” he said. “Our ruckmen both went down before half time. This hurt us structurally and we gave up a good lead.”

Reichman is hoping his team can learn lessons from its loss against the Rams.

However, the inconsistency of the senior line-up will make things a challenge when they travel to Woorndoo.

“The team has been shifting from week to week. It will be the same this time with those injuries to our ruckmen,” Reichman said.

“We are hoping to bring our best for four quarters, which should leave us there or thereabouts.”

Woorndoo-Mortlake coach Isaac Templeton sees this week’s home game as a test.

“It will be interesting to see where we are at with our structures and things,” he said.

Templeton, who is in his first year of coaching the side, said in round four his team was still making adjustments that would be needed for a finals berth.

“We’re just learning a whole new game plan,” he said.

A strong start from South Warrnambool had the Demons scoreless at the end of the first quarter. Demons’ Kayetlan Harris was powerful in the backline and prevented a larger score blowout.

The Roosters were dominant in the first half and were 31 points ahead at halftime.

The Demons picked up their pressure on the ball in the second half, with Dellie Brown and Jedah Huf working consistently in the midfield and backline.

Although the Demons were able to restrict South Warrnambool from scoring in the final term, the final score was the Roosters’ 7.5 (47) to the Demons’ 1.3 (9).

The Demons are sitting in third position and will face second-placed Tyrendarra on Sunday at Horsham City Oval.

The youth girls’ under-18s game against South Warrnambool was forfeited.

The Demons are second after two wins for the season and will play Cavendish in round five at Horsham City Oval.

PRESSURE: Horsham Demons’ Dellie Brown worked hard in the midfield and backline against South Warrnambool.

Picture: ELIZA MCANULTY

Weekdays from noon on

Hurricanes’ good form to be tested

BY SIMON KING Wimmera Hockey Associa-

tion action returns to the artificial pitch at Dimboola on Saturday for the season’s third round, and several interesting match-ups are scheduled.

In the first open match for the afternoon, the undefeated Horsham Hurricanes will face a test when they take on Warrack Hoops, who will play in Dimboola’s green-and-gold strip in support of the club, which was unable to field any competition teams this year.

Having won their first two matches this season by an average of five goals, the Hurricanes are in good form, but they will find the Hoops a more challenging opponent.

The Hoops have recorded one significant win and a hard-fought draw with reigning premiers, Yanac Tigers, last weekend.

This intriguing encounter could go either way if both teams get their best players on the field.

The other open match combatants will play only their second game for the season after sharing the byes in the first two rounds. Both teams will

be looking for their first win, although Yanac Tigers fought out a thrilling draw last week and will go in as favourites, as Kaniva Cobras’ only outing resulted in a loss.

The women’s competition feature game could determine the early leader when Yanac and Kaniva clash.

Both teams have six points, made up of a bye and a win, and although it is still early in the season, a win could prove to be a valuable psychological advantage later.

After playing in the grand final last year, Horsham Jets have not enjoyed a good start this season, so far yet to win a match, but they will attempt to remedy this against Warracknabeal, who scored its first win in several seasons in round one.

This is another game that will be decided by the availability of each team’s best players.

Both matches in the under-16 competition will see a top-two team take on one from the bottom two, making these look clear-cut results, but as it is early in the season with several teams having had byes and not yet having played each opponent, ladder positions are not necessarily an accurate predictor of results.

The round will start with Horsham Bombers taking on Warrack Revengers, followed by Kaniva Raiders playing Yanac Warriors.

The three Nhill teams will have the week off with the bye.

Round-two results –

Open: Warracknabeal Hoops 0 (Best, H. Wagenknecht, S. Schultz, T. Jor-

Hedt 2, N. Harding, M. Farmers, C. Alexander; E. Alexander, M. Farmers, S. Hedt) d Warracknabeal 0 (B. McMaster, C. Baker, D. Templeton). Nhill Thunderbirds 3 (E. Murden 3; E. Murden, K. Clark, T. Engelbrecht) d Horsham Jets 2 (E. Morrow, C. Lawson; K. Krahe, E. Morrow, L. Schilling).

Under-16: Yanac Warriors 3 (Archie Zanker 2, H. Zanker; Asher Zanker, Archie Zanker, Annabella Zanker) d Warracknabeal Revengers 0 (Z. Allott, Z. O’Connor, E. Williamson). Horsham Bombers 5 (T. Batchelor, J. Schwarz, J. Mills, K. Besselaar, O. Knoop; T. Batchelor, S. Schwarz, H. Mackereth) d Nhill Leopards 1 (C. Bone; D. Clark, O. Bone, T. Shue Bee).

EXTENDING SKILLS: Horsham District and Wimmera league junior netball representative players participated in a Melbourne University Lightning Elite Regional Clinic on Sunday. Championship and division one head coach Tegan Hopkins and 19-and-under head coach Sarah Mylrea conducted three, two-hour elite athlete clinics for 13-and-under, 15-and-under and 17-and-under netballers. Former Wimmera netballers and current Lightning netballers Maggie and Rene Caris and Lavinia Fox also attended the sessions with the coaches. The clinic was at Horsham’s Holy Trinity Lutheran College and will return to the Wimmera for another two years.

gensen) drew with Yanac Tigers 0 (N. Alexander, B. Alexander, T. Alexander). Horsham Hurricanes 6 (Goals, T. Leffler 2, T. Batchelor, W. Gulline, J. Mills, J. Di Peitro; best, T. Leffler, P. Mackereth, J. Horsfall) d Nhill Rangers 0 (H. Pearse, K. Rowe, D. Reichelt).

Women: Yanac 7 (A. Farmers 2, S.

Under-12 development program: Nhill Bandits 3 (C. Bone, B. Clark, M. Marra) v Warracknabeal Avengers 4 (S. Williamson 3, H. Lomax) Horsham Black Hawks 0 (Encouragement award, Max T-C) v Kaniva Rampagers 1 (R. Doyle; encouragement award, O. Curtis). Dimboola Kookaburras 1 (J. Ward) v Yanac Lowan Stars 1 (H. Zanker; encouragement award, S. Hedt).

Club stalwart claims victory

Gary Saunders claimed victory in Stawell Amateur Athletic Club’s first staggered handicap race start of the season on Saturday.

Fourteen runners completed the roller coaster of hills in the challenging five-kilometre course in Stawell’s Ironbark forest on a perfect autumn morning.

It was a close finish in the S. and K. Watson Handicap, with a minute separating first from third. Saunders claimed victory, with Daniel Parkin in second and Terry Jenkins, third.

Fastest male was Nathan Baker in 21.22 minutes. Colleen Henderson was fastest female, finishing in 31.09 minutes.

Saunders was surprised to win the race. His goal this year was to improve his fitness and running times and he did not think he could achieve this so quickly.

He is a keen runner, competing in both Stawell Amateur Athletic Club and Stawell and Ararat Cross Coun-

ry Club weekend races during the season.

Saunders is back stronger than ever after an illness saw him unable to compete towards the end of the season last year.

A field of nine juniors contested the three-kilometre course, with Kade Santuccione claiming his first victory. Flynn Davies closely followed for second, with Jerome Baker flying home for third place and also fastest time with 14.42 minutes.

Eight sub-juniors contested the onekilometre out-and-back course.

A hotly-contested race saw Hamish Blake claim the win ahead of Catherine Clarke, with Hunter Davies in hot pursuit for third. Alfie Freeland had the fastest time of 5.01 minutes.

The club’s next race is the Keith Haymes Championship on Saturday. Registration is at the club rooms from 9am before heading out to the track for a 9.30am start. Fun runners and new members are welcome.

BATTLE: Traiyth Leffler, Horsham Hurricanes, left, and Nhill Rangers’ Lee Marra make a play for the ball. Picture: SIMON KING

Horsham annual tournament success

Golfers took to the greens across five days last week for Horsham Golf Club’s 114th annual tournament.

The tournament started on Wednesday with a men’s and women’s stableford competition.

Llewelyn Griffiths won the men’s competition with 40 points followed by Peter Hayes, 39 points, and Bob Hayes, 38 points.

Nat Potter won the women’s competition with 38 points followed by Barb Hawkins, 37 points, and Elizabeth Robertson, 34 points.

Nearest-the-pin was Ian Fechner on the second, Steven Geall and Lisa Jakobi on the 11th, and Brian Bird on the 13th.

Thursday marked the stableford aggregate competition.

With 68 points, Ross Barnett and Ferdie Masiero won the men’s competition. Brian Wirth and Wayne Anderson finished second with 67 points and Ian Blake and Hugh Delahunty third with 66 points on countback.

Tania Cullinane and Val Linke won the women’s competition with 75 points, followed by Gail Jenner and Barb Uebergang with 70 points and Lorraine Melville and Lorraine Mitchell with 69 points.

Nearest-the-pins were Tania Cullinane and Brian Hammond on the second, Liz Jackman and Brian Wirth on

the 11th, and Trudy Parker and Ross Barnett on the 13th.

The competition on Friday was fourball, best-ball par.

In the men’s competition, Peter Hayes and Brian Mannix finished first with 11-up.

David Beggs and Rob Pizzoni finished second with nine-up, and Norm Booth and Brendan Stemp finished third, on a countback with six-up.

Lisa Jakobi and Fleur Finlayson finished first in the women’s competition with seven-up, Beth Preston and Rina Tunstall finished second with five-up on countback, and Noela Hair and Jennifer Noonan finished third with five-up.

Nearest-the-pin was Peggy Muszkieta and Jack Haberfield on the second,

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Lisa Jakobi and Peter Hayes on the 11th, and Fleur Finlayson and Brian Mannix on the 13th.

It was a big day for the tournament on Saturday with 36 and 18-hole strokes.

In the men’s competition, Casey Schmidt won division one 36 holes gross with 76-73-149 and Wayne Anderson won division two 36 holes gross with 87-85-172.

Michael Haberfield won division one 36 holes nett with 73-72-145 and Josh Mahoney won division two 36 holes nett with 68-67-135.

Barry Roberts won division one 18 holes nett with 71 on countback and Ian Blake won division two 18 holes nett with 64.

In the women’s competition, Lisa

Jakobi won 36 holes gross with 91-86177, Liz Jackman won 36 holes nett with 69-71-140 and Carolyn Morcom won 18 holes nett with 72.

Nearest-the-pin was Josh Mahoney on the second, Julie Wirth and Daniel Griffiths on the 11th, and Julie Schmidt and Casey Schmidt on the 13th.

Sunday included mixed pinehurst and men’s two-person ambrose and marked the final day of the tournament.

Winners of the pinehurst competition were Peter Hayes and Sharon

SIGHT: Daniel Griffiths keeps a close eye on his ball.

Wynne with 69.95 nett on countback. Peter Smith and Marge Rich finished second with 69.95 nett, followed by Geoff Lowe and Pam Watkins with 71.12 nett.

Bernard Ward and Brad Couch won the two-person ambrose with 60 nett, followed by Damien Kilpatrick and Matt Schier with 63 nett and Daniel Schlosser and Joel Raeck with 63.25 nett.

Nearest-the-pins were Leanne Hood and Pat Dunn on the second, Jenny Brown and Leigh McDonald on the 11th, and Peter Brennan on the 13th.

FOCUS: Casey Schmidt competes in Horsham Golf Club’s annual tournament. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

For more photographs go to theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Community glue

Ian‘Daffy’ O’Donnell’s love for Stawellbased football and netball club Swifts started when he first wore the club’s mascot outfit as a five-year-old.

He is from a long line of Swifts devotees. His father was a former club president and player, while his grandfather worked the Saturday as a trainer.

His own career included playing stretches spanning from 1969 to 1995, as well as two stints as president.

Mr O’Donnell, 69, said the club had always been part of his life.

“I first played at the club when it was part of the South Wimmera Football League, just before the club joined the Ararat and District Football Association,” he said.

“I played most of my football, more than 300 games, in the association.

“Clubs back then only had one football team each and it was some time before we got a reserves side and a junior team. Obviously, netball teams joined later on.”

Mr O’Donnell’s commitment to the club did not cease when he stepped aside as president.

He became a vital cog in the Swifts’ pursuit of clubroom redevelopments at North Park – a project that started when he claimed his second presidency in 2015.

He said it took him and the club committee nearly five years to get the project off the ground.

“We started trying to get money to just redevelop the old rooms, but we realised the building was beyond that,” he said.

“A big part of the push for a new facility was to have changerooms that were female friendly,

now that we had netball teams. Previously, netball players didn’t have anywhere to get changed.

“I was the person pestering council and State Government and other people in the community – on the phone and by email. We spent hours door knocking and meeting with politicians to get the money.”

The new clubroom facility opened during the 2021 season after contributions from Northern Grampians Shire Council and state and federal governments.

Mr O’Donnell said there was still improvements to be made.

“We want to upgrade the lights and get an electronic scoreboard,” he said.

“I am still on the committee these days. I like doing odd jobs to help out where I can.

“My grandchildren have started playing football and netball at the club now. I will always help out – until I no longer can.”

Mr O’Donnell said despite the club’s sustainability, it remained difficult to find volunteers –especially following COVID restrictions.

“The population here is getting older and there are limited jobs for young people to keep them anchored to the district. Players come and go from the club now and I think COVID had a lot to do with it all,” he said.

“COVID hurt us, as it did everyone. The stopstart nature of those interrupted seasons made it tough to keep people together.

“The club is more or less flying at the moment and we want to keep building it up for our future members.

“Sporting clubs draw regional communities together, they will always be a community glue. That is what we are pursuing here at Swifts.”

Wimmera

This week: Round four, Horsham v Ararat, Stawell v Dimboola, Southern Mallee Giants v Horsham Saints at Hopetoun, Warrack Eagles v Nhill. Minyip-Murtoa, bye.

Senior football

Last week: Ararat 15.16 (106) d Warrack Eagles 5.3 (33), Dimboola 18.10 (118) d Horsham Demons 16.8 (104), Horsham Saints 11.9 (75) d Stawell 5.10 (40), Southern Mallee Giants 13.13 (91) d Minyip-Murtoa 9.3 (57). Nhill, bye.

Ladder: Ararat 12 points, 370.93 percent; Horsham Saints 12, 166.43; Dimboola 12, 137.07; Southern Mallee Giants 8, 253.85; Minyip-Murtoa 8, 114.37; Horsham Demons 0, 71.32; Warrack Eagles 0, 48.88; Stawell Warriors 0, 41.12; Nhill 0, 38.21.

A Grade netball

Last week: Ararat 56 d Warrack Eagles 32, Horsham 68 d Dimboola 33, Horsham Saints 41 d Stawell 39, Minyip-Murtoa 42 d Southern Mallee Giants 40. Nhill, bye.

Ladder: Horsham Saints 12 points, 140.77 percent; Horsham 8, 152.46; Ararat 8, 108.77; Dimboola 8, 89.29; Nhill 4, 127.94; Stawell 8, 109.66; Minyip-Murtoa 4, 67.50; Southern Mallee Giants 0, 93.24; Warrack Eagles 0, 54.17.

Horsham District

This week: Round four, Rupanyup v Pimpinio, Taylors Lake v Harrow-Balmoral, Kaniva-Leeor United v Kalkee, Laharum v Edenhope-Apsley, Jeparit-Rainbow v Natimuk United, Noradjuha-Quantong v Swifts. Senior football

Last week: Edenhope-Apsley 18.13 (121) d Kaniva-Leeor United 5.7 (37), Swifts 10.12 (72) d Rupanyup 9.13 (67), Pimpinio 14.12 (96) d Laharum 9.10 (64), Noradjuha-Quantong 13.21 (99) d Natimuk United 9.5 (59), Kalkee 19.12 (126) d Taylors Lake 6.4 (40), Harrow-Balmoral 19.16 (130) d 15.5 (95).

Ladder: Harrow-Balmoral 12 points, 227.01 percent; Noradjuha-Quantong 8, 172.73; Swifts 8, 163.16; Jeparit-Rainbow 8, 133.88; Edenhope-Apsley 8, 129.49; Pimpinio 8, 115.02; Kaniva-Leeor United 8, 75.56; Rupanyup 6, 115.73; Kalkee 4, 68.48; Natimuk United 2, 54.43; Taylors Lake 0, 64.38; Laharum 0, 28.69.

A Grade netball

Last week: Edenhope-Apsley 10 d Kaniva-Leeor United 0 (forfeit), Rupanyup 46 d Swifts 28, Noradjuha-Quantong d Natimuk United 34, Kalkee 64 d Taylors Lake 35, Laharum 62 d Pimpinio 58, Jeparit-Rainbow 67 d Harrow-Balmoral 31.

Ladder: Edenhope-Apsley 12 points, 282.61 percent; Kalkee 12, 179.21; Rupanyup 12, 153.61; Laharum 12, 135.83; Pimpinio 8, 119; Noradjuha-Quantong 4, 104.17; Jeparit-Rainbow 4, 95.86; Natimuk United 4, 72.03; Swifts 4, 66.67; Taylors Lake 0, 53.98; Harrow-Balmoral 0, 49.13; Kaniva-Leeor United 0, 0. Mininera and District

This week: Round four, Tatyoon v Caramut, Moyston-Willaura v Wickliffe-Lake Bolac, Great Western v SMW Rovers, Penshurst v Ararat Eagles, Glenthompson-Dunkeld v

Lismore-Derrinallum, Woorndoo-Mortlake v Hawkesdale-Macarthur.

Senior football

Last week: Woorndoo-Mortlake 25.33 (183) d Caramut 0.5 (5), SMW Rovers 31.21 (207) d Moyston-Willaura 5.4 (34), Penshurst 10.16 (76) d Lismore-Derrinallum 8.11 (59), Tatyoon 7.9 (51) d Wickliffe-Lake Bolac 6.12 (48), Glenthompson-Dunkeld 14.10 (94) d Hawkesdale-Macarthur 14.8 (92), Ararat Eagles 14.15 (99) d Great Western 8.5 (53).

Ladder: Glenthompson-Dunkeld 12 points, 217.56 percent; Tatyoon 12, 185.83; Ararat Eagles 8, 251.61; Woorndoo-Mortlake 8, 238.97; Wickliffe-Lake Bolac 8, 133.57; Great Western 8, 106.31; Hawkesdale-Macarthur 4, 218.35; Lismore-Derrinallum 4, 177.78; SMW Rovers 4, 114.51; Penshurst 4, 77.07; Moyston-Willaura 0, 11.54; Caramut 0, 4.83. A Grade netball

Last week: Woorndoo-Mortlake 54 d Caramut 21, SMW Rovers 46 d Moyston-Willaura 27, Lismore-Derrinallum 44 d Penshurst 25, Hawkesdale-Macarthur 54 d Glenthompson-Dunkeld 38, Ararat Eagles 74 d Great Western 15, Wickliffe-Lake Bolac v Tatyoon, no game.

Ladder: Lismore-Derrinallum 12 points, 207.79 percent; Hawkesdale-Macarthur 12, 137.50; Ararat Eagles 8, 268.57; Woorndoo-Mortlake 8, 185; Tatyoon 8, 164.81; Penshurst 8, 111.58; SMW Rovers 4, 81.75; Caramut 4, 77.52; Glenthompson-Dunkeld 0, 73.28; Great Western 0, 42.37; Moyston-Willaura 0, 32.09; Wickliffe-Lake Bolac 0, 0.

North Central

This week: Round four, Charlton v St Arnaud, Wycheproof-Narraport v Birchip-Watchem, Donald v Boort, Sea Lake-Nandaly v Nullawil. Wedderburn, bye.

Senior football

Last week: Sea Lake-Nandaly 18.16 (124) d St Arnaud 1.8 (14), Birchip-Watchem 28.9 (177) d Charlton 4.5 (29), Boort 12.10 (82) drew with Wycheproof-Narraport 13.4 (82), Donald 12.10 (82) d Wedderburn 9.7 (61). Nullawil, bye.

Ladder: Sea Lake-Nandaly 12 points, 222.61 percent; Wycheproof-Narraport 10, 128.42; Nullawil 8, 345.16; Boort 6, 132.04; Birchip-Watchem 4, 152.6; Donald 4, 107.27; Wedderburn 4, 104.93; Charlton 0, 27.23; St Arnaud 0, 13.33.

A Grade netball

Last week: Boort 47 d Wycheproof-Narraport 38, Wedderburn 72 d Donald 42, Sea Lake-Nandaly 42 d St Arnaud 23, Birchip-Watchem 40 d Charlton 36. Nullawil, bye.

Ladder: Wedderburn 12 points, 676.47 percent; Boort 12, 169.05; Nullawil 8, 185.71; Birchip-Watchem 8, 129.47; Wycheproof-Narraport 4, 94.62; Sea Lake-Nandaly 4, 64.23; Donald 0, 395.69; Charlton 0, 79.20; St Arnaud 0, 42.86.

• Full scoreboards and ladders for all grades are available via the league pages at playhq.com

PASSIONATE: Swifts volunteer Ian O’Donnell continues to support the club that has brought joy to generations of his family. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

horShAm diStriCt leAgue

AFTER THE SIREN

shirtfront the

Senior football

The match of the round: Swifts missed the finals last year and to beat reigning premier Rupanyup at the weekend setsup their season. They came from 22 points down at three-quarter time to win, keeping Rupanyup goalless in the final term. A three-point loss to Kaniva-Leeor United in round one is their only blemish in the season to date.

The standout player: Cleve Hughes, an ex-Richmond player, joined Edenhope-Apsley two weeks ago to provide a focal point in its attack. With 13 goals across his first two outings, Hughes looms as a player who will give opposition backmen plenty of worries.

The rising star: Connor Weidemann has played one game in the Coates Talent League for the GWV Rebels and is already forging a reputation as a player. The young Rupanyup star put in a standout performance for the Panthers’ senior side at the weekend.

A Grade netball

The match of the round: Without a doubt Laharum v Pimpinio was the best A Grade game. Laharum was missing a couple of players, but the young, enthusiastic Pimpinio team nearly pulled off a huge upset. They pushed Laharum all day before the favourites snuck over the line by four goals in a high-scoring game. The standout player: We have said it once and will probably say it again this season, but Rupanyup is the dark horse in the premiership race. After a number of years sitting near the bottom of the ladder, an aggressive recruiting campaign sees them sitting in third place. Their 18-goal victory against Swifts leaves them as one of four unbeaten teams.

The rising star: Tahlia Thompson shot another 31 goals against Laharum and now has just over 100 goals in her first three outings. Thompson and fellow young gun Tahnee Brown, who is still eligible for the under-17s, were the best players for Pimpinio.

Big weekend for Laharum

Laharum will battle Edenhope-Apsley on Saturday in a WorkSafe Country Club series round.

Laharum footballers will take to their home ground eager to build on last week’s encouraging performance against Pimpinio, while Edenhope-Apsley will be after its third win from four rounds this season.

The WorkSafe Country Club series aims to spread a message of workplace safety to the sporting community across regional Victoria.

The build-up to the game is especially busy for Laharum.

Coach Glenn Doyle said the week started off with a mental-health awareness talk yesterday.

Tomorrow night’s training will feature former Western Bulldogs premiership player Tom Boyd taking drills. Laharum netballers will also be boosted by the presence of two Melbourne Vixens netballers at their training.

The guests will stay for an event following Saturday’s match.

Doyle said the weekend also included a 2013 senior football premiership reunion with players travelling from across the region and interstate for the occasion.

Club stalwart Hamish Roberts is also expected to play his 300th game.

Doyle said he saw his team’s round three loss against Pimpinio as a marked improvement on the

first two weeks of play. “We didn’t take our chances in the second quarter and it showed,” he said.

“In the third, Pimpinio played a really good quarter, breaking the game open. We still played the game out, which was really pleasing.”

Doyle mentioned Alec McCallum at fullback as one of his team’s standout players. The defender limited Pimpinio’s Dylan Bates to two goals, after Bates kicked seven against Kaniva-Leeor United in round two.

Edenhope-Apsley’s midfield is front-of-mind for Laharum’s coach.

“It’s a mighty challenge to come up against the McIntyre brothers, Tim and Ben, in the midfield,” Doyle said.

“Reuben Launder and Riley Lenehan will be influential in the middle for the Dees.”

Edenhope-Apsley coach Tim McIntyre described last week’s win against Kaniva-Leeor United as a ‘contest’.

“It was tough footy at the start before our fitness allowed us to run away with the game,” he said.

“Laharum puts up a good contest every year and we can’t take them lightly.”

McIntyre singled out some of his midfielders as players who could make the difference.

He said Lewis Thompson, Harry Evans and Ben McIntyre would all endure stints in the midfield against Laharum.

Pimpinio’s weekend loss ‘a win in our eyes’

Pimpinio will travel to Rupanyup for round four of Horsham District league A Grade netball on Saturday.

The away side will be encouraged by last weekend’s tight loss to 2022 grand finalist Laharum.

Rupanyup is hoping to continue its early season form, which leaves them undefeated.

Pimpinio coach Jayde Ellis described her team’s two-goal loss to Laharum as ‘a win in our eyes’.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the girls,” she said.

Looking forward to this weekend’s game, Ellis said she was aware of the challenge Rupanyup posed.

“These are big back-to-back games,” she said.

“Neither team is at full capacity, but we will be looking to continue our great form across four quarters last week.”

Ellis commended Emily Hannan and Annie Felini on their efforts in the centre against Laharum.

Lana Ellis was a steady shot at goal, netting 27 in round three.

Coach Ellis said she was expecting a strong, fast contest this weekend.

“It will be a good hit out between the two teams – a chance to see where we are at,” Ellis said.

Rupanyup coach Georgia His-

cock said last week’s 18-goal win against the Swifts was a hardfought contest.

“It was closer than it looked on the scoreboard,” she said.

Hiscock said there were a number of standouts for Rupanyup.

“Faith McKenzie, filling in for myself due to injury, and Adelle and Kayla Weidemann in defence were among the better players,” she said.

Hiscock emphasised the fact her Rupanyup team was still new, with many players adjusting to the squad and league. She said watching recorded games had been important as they

looked to make inroads against teams such as Pimpinio. “Each week is still very much an unknown,” she said.

Withdrawal

In other netball news, KanivaLeeor United has withdrawn from the A Grade competition. This means that other A Grade teams drawn against them will have a bye round.

Teams who have already faced the forfeiting side will have their percentage adjusted. A match ratio system will be used to determine finals places.

with Kuges, Cobba, Easty & Hugh

with Sean O’Connell

GRAB: Rupanyup’s Connor Weidemann marks the ball in front of Swifts player Matt Healy. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

immerA

Nhill, Warrack Eagles battle for first points

Nhill and Warrack Eagles’ senior football teams are vying for their first four premiership points for the Wimmera league season.

Both teams have suffered ‘disappointing’ losses and will be expecting a good hit out against one another at Anzac Park, Warracknabeal.

Eagles coach Daniel Bell said the team had not let the first three rounds impact their mindset.

“We have played some tough sides in Dimboola and Ararat in our first few games, and we have been in those matches until quarter time or half time and then let them slip against us,” he said.

“In certain parts of the game, we move the ball well, our intent and endeavour are there from start to

finish, so we just need to tidy up a few things around our disposal and how we want to move the ball forward.

“But the group still has a positive attitude so hopefully we can take a step forward this week at home.”

Bell said midfield recruit Thomas Jones was a ‘great character’ and played well in round three.

“Young players Declan Powell and Dan Penny showed good endeavour and fight all game,” he said.

Nhill coach Trevor Albrecht said the Tigers were working towards making their mark on the season.

“We have put in the hard yards in the pre-season and in round one we performed up to the task for

three-quarters against Dimboola, but the players are still learning how to win,” he said.

“With only one win in 1200 days, we’re working on stringing two or more wins together.

“Ararat was also a strong outfit who we were very impressed by –on a dry day, I think they will take it to any of the top teams.”

Albrecht said the team was looking forward to the coming weeks against the Eagles, Horsham Saints and Stawell.

“We want to do well in the next three weeks – and I think this week will be a big show for both teams,” he said.

“Tom Driscoll has been an important six-foot-four target up for-

AFTER THE SIREN

ward for us and his brother Frazer Driscoll is a standout in the halfback line.”

Bigger margins will be expected in other games across the league this week as teams continue to establish their positions.

Ararat will aim for another solid showing against Horsham, while Dimboola will hope for an easier win this week when playing against Stawell.

Southern Mallee Giants are setting a tough bar after defeating Minyip-Murtoa and will be a difficult opponent for Horsham Saints. The Burras have a bye this week with time to recover from its first loss and will return in round five to take on the Saints.

Stawell builds momentum

Round four is set to be a day of two tales for Wimmera league A Grade netball, with big and small margins expected.

Stawell and Dimboola will likely be a close match-up after Stawell came within two goals of ladderleader Horsham Saints on Saturday.

Dimboola will be aiming to return to the winners’ list after taking a hard loss to Horsham.

Stawell coach Tessa O’Callaghan said it was ‘pretty hard’ to predict this early in the season how the team would perform this weekend.

“I think Dimboola has started quite strong this year so we’ll have to wait and see what the game brings,” she said.

“We’re going in with the intent to play our game and hopefully that will get us across the line.”

O’Callaghan said she could not have been happier with Stawell’s game in round three.

“The Saints have a very fastpaced game and a goal for the Stawell players coming into it was to play our game in a short, sharp way,” she said.

“It meant we were more controlled by slowing the ball down and that worked well for us.

“Both our defenders, Lauren Homden and Lisa Considine, were outstanding.

“I think we have started well and

hopefully we can keep that up and have a successful year.”

Dimboola’s Holly Ross continues to be a strong defender, and combined with young Indy Ward, the pair are tough opponents.

This week’s Stawell and Dimboola clash is looking to be a game that will come down to the defensive line-up.

Nhill has an opportunity to put a second win on the board when it meets Warrack Eagles, who remain winless heading into round four.

Eagle Briodi McKenzie will be striving for another strong week in the goal ring, while Tigers’ Ellen Bennett will be a force through the midcourt.

A good contest will ensue between Ararat and Horsham, with both teams two wins from three games.

Romi Miller has been playing well in wing defence, while Bella Westbrook will aim to repeat her solid performance from round three.

SUPPORT: Southern Mallee Giants defender Codie Robins supports Olivia Revell who goes up to cover the ball as MinyipMurtoa’s Jessica Newell shoots.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

shirtfront the

with Kuges, Cobba, Easty & Hugh

Senior football

The match of the round: Minyip-Murtoa and Southern Mallee Giants. It was a high-standard game of football, with plenty of pressure early and once the real heat came out of the day, the game went to another level. They are two of the best teams in the competition, so it was a real spectacle. Unfortunately, at three-quarter time, the Burras lost a couple of key players. Oscar Gawith limped off with a calf injury and Lachie Delahunty got a concussion, which meant he never took the field again, and with another one or two players that were a bit sore, they virtually had no bench. The Giants were able to run away pretty convincing winners but thoroughly deserved the win because they had control of the game for most of the match.

The standout player: Sam Widdell for the Giants had a great game. He played on the wing and dominated. What I enjoyed most about his game was that his football was superb from the first bounce to the last bounce – he didn’t take time to work into the game and he didn’t fade off at the end, he was consistently good from start to finish.

The rising star: The Giants are my rising stars this week. I think what I was impressed with was that right across the board, the Giants do not have any passengers. That is going to make them a very formidable team throughout the season.

A Grade netball

Horsham Saints will look to build on a narrow win against Stawell last week, when they face Southern Mallee Giants, who came close to their first win on Saturday.

Abby Hallam continues to be accurate in goals for the Saints while Jodie Hayes is consistent and reliable in the midcourt for the Giants.

Minyip-Murtoa secured its first win in round three and will have a bye this week before round five against Horsham Saints.

The match of the round: Stawell and Horsham Saints. It was interesting that there wasn’t a bigger margin in this game. I did not expect Stawell to be up at half time and finish within two goals of the Saints. They almost got over the top of the powerhouse Saints team.

The standout player: Lauren Homden in defence was a standout for Stawell. She was leading the way to causing what could have been one of the biggest upsets of the year.

The rising star: The strong Horsham outfit continues to be very impressive after bouncing back from a loss against the Saints for an Anzac Day fixture, so they are my rising stars this week.

Sport

Leaders skip ahead

BY DAVID BERRY

Monday night Volleyball

Horsham competition continues to grow, with many new faces on the court for junior teams, bringing an exciting and fun atmosphere to games.

It is always heartening when the club hears just how much fun juniors have had after their game – whether it is from a first timer or a junior who has played all season.

With three games to go before finals start for the Monday night crew, the ladder leaders have skipped clear of the chasing pack, with the vital double chance well within their sights.

In B Grade, Dommi Nators have shown just how valuable regular training can be, with some big wins since the return from holidays.

The Young brothers and Noah Werry have been regular attendees at Tuesday night training all season and the fruits of their labour has been never more evident, as they are becoming very consistent, skilled players.

Murtoa Railway is chasing hard, sitting second, but with the loss of Cam and Steph Ruwoldt, who were such contributors to

the team’s success, is going to find it difficult to find two replacements.

Team USA is sneaking up the table, with Luke McCallum and Nick Rigas ever consistent, while Scemps have dropped some winnable games in recent weeks and find themselves well off the pace for the double chance come finals.

Phantom Masters have settled their team and have a ‘crack’ each week.

In C Grade, Spike It Up are well clear on top and barring unforeseen circumstances have the double chance sewn up for finals.

Stars are the big improvers, with academy members Zane Joseph, Kai Dodson and Joel Brilliant leading the way.

Stars have moved into second spot on the ladder ahead of HTLC Tigers.

In the junior competition, HTLC Cubs continues on its winning way, with Fletcher Hawken and Malakai Van Buuren combining well and contributing each week.

Novas are chasing hard in second place and with new players Jezbel Ahbilash and Oscar McKinnon finding their feet, they will continue to improve.

Commercial Cookery Apprenticeship & Hospitality Traineeship

Horsham

Closing date: May 9, 2023

Chickpea Café is seeking two motivated candidates to join their team.

Requirements:

• Assist and work with other team members

• Good communication skills

• Be able to work in a busy environment

• Willingness to commit to work and study

• Have a passion for the hospitality field of work

• Be able to undertake and follow instructions

For more information contact Daryl Eastwell on 0407 364 654.

Carpentry Apprenticeship

Ararat

Closing date: May 16, 2023

Duties Include:

• Construct, erect, install, renovate and repair structures

• Tiling, plastering and general building construction (restoring old to new)

• Use tools such as hammers, chisels, saws, drills, and sanders.

For more information contact Kate Clark on 0428 971 821.

HTLC Tigers sit in third place ahead of Vipers, with Phantoms rounding out the top five.

Premier training

Phantoms premier men’s and women’s teams will be training in Horsham on Saturday as they prepare for their next games in the Victorian Volleyball League competition.

The premier men won their first two games on April 15, while the women split their results – both are keen to get in as much valuable practice together as they can before they hit the court again.

At the time of writing, the competition still does not know what the fixture is from May 13 onwards, so Phantoms are using this time to get together, enabling them to hit the ground running for when they return to the court.

The women will train from 10am to 1pm and the men will follow, training from 1pm to 3.30pm at the basketball stadium.

Volleyball Horsham encourages anyone interested in watching the teams train to pop in to the stadium – especially our junior members.

Brought to you by Our friendly reception team

Available Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm 5382 1351

CENTENARY: Horsham Croquet Club current and past members celebrated 100 years of the club on Saturday by coming together and wearing period clothes.

Club celebrates milestone

Horsham Croquet Club members returned to the 1920s to celebrate the club’s centenary milestone.

Members attended the 100-year celebrations on Saturday in period costume for an afternoon at the clubrooms, followed by dinner at Glen Logan Restaurant, Horsham.

President Donna Frost said it was a fabulous day to celebrate the milestone.

“The sun was shining and everyone enjoyed catching up. Some players had a game in their period costumes, which was a lot of fun,” she said.

“We had special guests Victorian Croquet Association president Kate Patrick, Wim-

Aged Care Support Traineeship & Hospitality Traineeship

Stawell

Closing date: May 16, 2023

Requirements:

• Caring & patient individual with passion for industry

• Physically fit and enjoy being active

• Police Check & vaccinated against Influenza & Covid19

• Good interpersonal & communication skills

• Work in a busy team environment under time constraints

For more information contact Daryl Eastwell on 0407 364 654.

Apprentice Diesel Mechanic

Horsham

Closing date: May 16, 2023

Duties Include:

• Inspect, service and repair heavy vehicles

• Repair cooling systems and radiators

• Implement and monitor environmental regulations in the automotive industry

• Attend trade school and additional training as specified by Skillinvest

• Prior qualified Light Vehicle Mechanics encouraged to apply

For more information contact Chris Barber on 0427 346 655.

mera Croquet Association president Charles Rees and Horsham Rural City Council mayor Robyn Gulline at the event.

“One of our life members, Iris Williams, cut the cake we had to mark the occasion.”

Ms Frost said it was a day of fun for everyone involved.

“We had a delicious dinner, and a relaxed and fun day,” she said.

“If anyone is thinking of learning a new sport, they can come down and have a game of golf croquet – it is easy to learn and a lot of fun.

“Anyone wanting a game can contact me on 0400 534 477.”

Allied Health Assistant Traineeship

Warracknabeal

Closing date: May 9, 2023

Duties Include:

• Assist with Allied Health Programs

• Contribute to client flow and client information management

• Work with diverse people

For more information contact Shane Cross on 0418 564 890.

Groundskeeper

Horsham

Closing date: ASAP

Duties

• Maintain property lawns and gardens

• Prune trees and shrubs

• General gardening - mulching, wedding, spraying, watering etc

• Operate mowers, whipper snippers & lawn edgers

To discuss this role further, please contact Nathan Keel on 0408 109 324.

Luciani counts himself lucky

BY ABBY WALTER

Horsham kart racer Remo Luciani is relieved he has ‘still got it’ on the track after recovering from a stroke about eight weeks ago.

Since his stroke, the Wimmera Kart Racing Club president has been inducted into the Motorsport Australia Hall of Fame, recognising his dedication and passion for the industry.

Luciani returned to the track for the first time last week as he prepared for the second round of the Victorian Country Series in Hamilton on May 14.

“It was a good feeling to get back out there,” he said.

“I was so scared that I would go out there and be dead slow and lose everything I have done for 40 years.

“I can confidently say it’s still there – I haven’t lost it.”

Luciani said he used to think he was ‘indestructible’, but one morning in March changed that.

“I walk up to 10 kilometres a day, race gokarts, am heavily involved in motorsport and look after what I eat and drink, so I thought I was a healthy person,” he said.

“I was lying in bed feeling fantastic like it was just a normal day. Then I got up and had a dizzy spell that came from nowhere.

“I didn’t know what it was, but when I went to hospital and was diagnosed with having a stroke, I was crying. I felt cheated because I am an active and fit person.

“But I was rest assured that strokes don’t discriminate – it can happen to the fittest person in the world.

“It’s something I have learned, so it’s vital that people keep up their health checks and we keep an eye on ourselves because I feel we all take ourselves for granted.”

Luciani said he was recovering well, with the only lasting impact so far being on his taste buds.

“It attacked my taste buds. Red wine, which I love, now tastes like vinegar,” he said.

“But if that’s the only thing, I’ll take it, because I’m very lucky and very happy to be here today.”

Luciani said it was hard to explain the feeling of being a hall of famer after being inducted on the Thursday of the Australian Grand Prix.

“I didn’t appreciate the magnitude of it and what it meant until I was able to reflect on it after the event,” he said.

“From 123 years of motorsport history there are only 88 inductees and to be one of those is quite an honour – there’s certainly some big names in there that I sit beside.”

Luciani began kart racing in 1980 and has won seven Australian championships and more than 70 state championships.

“Everyone in a sport wants to hit a pinnacle and winning the Australian championships is a pinnacle,” he said.

“I set a record in Australia – I was the oldest person to ever win an Australian championship in 2010 and then in 2012 I won a New Zealand championship, so I’m the oldest person to win a championship in New Zealand, too.

“The moral of the story is that the sport is for the young and old.

“The other pinnacle of my career has been helping so many young people in the sport go through from grassroots to motorcars and follow their careers.”

Luciani, at his business Remo Racing, had racing ‘legends’ Jamie Whincup and Daniel Ricciardo do work experience and race karts for him.

“They were just young kids loving their sport,” he said.

“I’m not responsible for their success, but I helped them believe in themselves and once they did that, they went on to pursue their motorsport dreams. That was part of the award criteria, that I was able to contribute to the sport – so it wasn’t just about my karting success, but those I helped along the way.”

Giving back

Luciani said giving back to the motorsport community was something he had been doing for many years.

“When we were upgrading our track, I was on my hands and knees doing the concrete kerbing and the voting panel knew at my age of 62 that I wasn’t doing it for me,” he said.

“It’s for the next generation and I am paving the way to make it easier for young sports enthusiasts to go through into motorsport.

“That was probably the tipping point when they said, ‘this guy is still giving back even after 42 years in the sport’.”

Luciani said he loved the sport as much now as he did more than 40 years ago.

“I am passionate about this sport. Someone asked me the other day if I was still going to race after the stroke and I said I would race regardless,” he said.

“I enjoy karting the same today as I did on the first day I started. The excitement, joy and adrenaline I got from the first day I started racing to today – I still get it.

“I’ve been gifted that, it’s not a chore to me and although I have made it my career, it’s just a sport I love to death.”

ON TRACK: Wimmera Kart Club president Remo Luciani is one of four new inductees into the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Ruckmen

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER